Antoine’s early strike lifts Bournemouth past Fulham, Rekindles European hopes
The Cherries got off to a dream start on Monday night, taking the lead just 53 seconds into the match.
KATHMANDU: A goal in the very first minute from Antoine Semenyo proved to be the difference as AFC Bournemouth edged past Fulham 1-0, boosting their hopes of qualifying for European competition.
The Cherries got off to a dream start on Monday night, taking the lead just 53 seconds into the match.
Despite several opportunities for both sides throughout the game, neither team was able to alter the scoreline, with Bournemouth holding firm to secure all three points.
Evanilson had a golden chance to double the lead for Bournemouth, but his close-range effort struck the crossbar. Fulham, however, failed to capitalize on that let-off.
The win sees Bournemouth climb to eighth place in the Premier League standings, one spot above Fulham, and strengthens their pursuit of a historic European qualification.
Fulham, who held Bournemouth to a 2-2 draw in December, now face an uphill battle with their slim chances of reaching the UEFA Champions League virtually extinguished.
With this victory, Bournemouth have matched their highest-ever Premier League points total of 48, a feat they last achieved in 2016-17.
Fulham also sit on 48 points but trail on goal difference, placing them ninth.
