'I'm still pinching myself' – Antoine Semenyo ahead of first major final

Antoine Semenyo admits he is still processing the reality of what lies ahead as Manchester City prepare to take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.

The Ghana forward will step onto the Wembley turf on March 22 for the Carabao Cup final, his first major cup final since arriving on the grand stage.

"It's crazy," Semenyo said, speaking ahead of the showpiece occasion. "I'm still pinching myself. These are the moments every footballer dreams of. I'm lucky I'm living that reality."

The 26-year-old's journey from the lower echelons of English football to Manchester City's record-breaking January signing has been nothing short of remarkable. But this—a Wembley final, silverware in sight—is the stuff he once only dared imagine.

"It's going to be a top final, a top team," he added. "These are the moments every footballer dreams of. I'm lucky I'm living that reality."

Semenyo's rise has been closely followed by Ghanaian supporters, who have watched him transform from promise to permanence. His pace, his directness, his growing composure in decisive moments—all of it will be needed against an Arsenal side chasing their own silverware ambitions.

Coaches speak of his calmness in camp. Teammates trust his movement. Analysts point to his speed on the transition as a potential difference-maker.

But Semenyo is not overthinking it.

He has never played in a major final. He has never lifted a trophy as a professional. He has never walked out at Wembley with silverware on the line.

All of that changes on March 22.