Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo came off the bench to score as Bournemouth secured a 1-1 draw with Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Los Angeles today.
The match, held at LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park, concluded with a penalty shootout, which Bournemouth narrowly lost 5-4 despite Semenyo finding the net again.
Trailing at half-time to a Fabio Vieira strike, Bournemouth created several good opportunities, with Dominic Solanke and Dango Ouattara both coming close to scoring. However, it was Semenyo who managed to level the score as the game entered its final 20 minutes, his shot deflecting into the goal.
Arsenal, fielding a mix of youth and experience due to the absence of several first-team stars following their summer international duties, featured Semenyo’s compatriot Thomas Partey and Poole-born Ben White in the starting lineup, alongside four academy prospects.
The Gunners took the lead in the 18th minute. Reiss Nelson made a strong run down the left, outpacing Max Aarons and delivering a cross to the back post, where Vieira met it with a brilliant volley into the bottom corner.
Partey was replaced by Italian international Jorginho Frello in the 62nd minute.
Bournemouth’s equaliser came in the 73rd minute. Semenyo, after winning the ball himself, drove forward down the left and took a shot that deflected off Ben White, looping over the goalkeeper and into the net.
Both teams had chances to secure a winner in the closing stages. Ouattara’s shot was blocked by Jakub Kiwior, while Bournemouth’s keeper Neto denied Leandro Trossard.
The draw follows another 1-1 result for Bournemouth against Wrexham on Saturday, highlighting a competitive pre-season tour for the Cherries.
