Is Semenyo Going to AFCON? Why Bournemouth’s Star Forward Stays Put This Winter

Introduction: A Rare AFCON Absence for Ghana

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on 21 December, Antoine Semenyo will not be going to AFCON, as Ghana failed to qualify for the tournament. This marks a significant development for both the player and his club, AFC Bournemouth, during one of the busiest periods in the Premier League calendar.

Four-time Champions Ghana failed to qualify for the first time since 2004, ending a remarkable 20-year run of consecutive appearances. For Bournemouth fans, however, this represents welcome news as they retain one of their most influential attacking players throughout the festive period.

Ghana’s Qualifying Disaster

Ghana failed to reach the tournament after a disastrous qualifying campaign in which they failed to win a single match against Angola, Sudan and Niger. The disappointing performance saw the Black Stars finish bottom of their qualifying group, shocking the African football community and denying several Premier League stars the opportunity to compete on the continental stage.

Mohammed Kudus won’t be going anywhere either, meaning Tottenham Hotspur also benefit from Ghana’s absence. The two players have emerged as key figures for their respective clubs this season.

Impact on Bournemouth and the Premier League

Semenyo’s availability throughout AFCON provides Bournemouth with a significant advantage. No African player has contributed more to his side’s attacking output than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, piquing further interest from Premier League suitors ahead of a potential January transfer. His continued presence could prove crucial as the Cherries navigate their mid-season fixtures.

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 kicks off on 21 December when host nation Morocco face Comoros in Rabat, with players required to be released from club duty by 15 December at the latest and the final taking place on 18 January. During this period, many Premier League clubs will lose key players for up to a month.

Looking Ahead: Transfer Speculation and Future Prospects

While Semenyo avoids AFCON duty this year, his immediate future remains a topic of discussion. Ghana head coach Otto Addo has backed Antoine Semenyo to leave AFC Bournemouth ahead of the upcoming January transfer window, with the player linked to top clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

For now, Bournemouth can count themselves fortunate. Whether he stays or goes, for the moment Bournemouth will be happy to keep their flying forward at the Vitality Stadium for the next month. The 25-year-old’s absence from AFCON means he’ll be fully focused on maintaining his impressive form in the Premier League, where his performances have attracted attention from England’s elite clubs.

Conclusion: A Silver Lining for Club Football

While Ghana’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2025 represents a low point for one of African football’s traditional powerhouses, it provides Premier League clubs with unexpected relief. Semenyo’s availability, along with that of Kudus and other Ghanaian players, means their clubs avoid the disruption that many rivals will face during the tournament. For Bournemouth especially, retaining their in-form forward throughout the crucial winter period could prove invaluable in their Premier League campaign.