'No, not today' - Broja plays villain to deny Semenyo hero status

Nii Ayitey Brown 19:35 - 20 December 2025

AFC Bournemouth’s frustrating run without a Premier League victory stretched to eight matches after a dramatic late goal from Armando Broja earned Burnley a 1–1 draw at the Vitality Stadium, denying Antoine Semenyo what looked set to be a match-winning moment.

For much of the afternoon, Bournemouth appeared on course to finally bring their winless streak to an end. After a balanced first half in which clear chances were scarce, the hosts grew in authority following the break, pressing higher and moving the ball with greater purpose.

Their breakthrough arrived in the 67th minute, when the Ghana international, Antoine Semenyo cut inside and curled a superb effort beyond the Burnley goalkeeper. The strike was his eighth of the league season.

However, Burnley refused to relent. Introduced in the second half, Armando Broja proved decisive in the closing moments. Deep into stoppage time, a cross from the right found the Albania international unmarked at the far post, and his powerful header left Bournemouth with no time to respond.

Broja nets late to deny Bounemouth win

The equaliser, Broja’s first goal of the season, stunned the home supporters and ensured Burnley left the south coast with a precious point.The late setback summed up Bournemouth’s recent struggles.

Despite producing encouraging attacking performances, they have repeatedly failed to see games through, a pattern that has now extended their winless run to eight league matches.

That sequence includes eye-catching draws, most notably a 4–4 encounter against Manchester United earlier this month, but the inability to convert promising displays into wins has stalled their momentum.

Manager Andoni Iraola has seen positives in his team’s approach, particularly in the attacking third, where Semenyo has emerged as a consistent threat.

Yet defensive lapses at key moments have continued to undermine their efforts, leaving Bournemouth hovering in mid-table rather than pushing higher up the standings.

For Burnley, the draw offered encouragement of a different kind. The Clarets, who have endured a difficult campaign of their own, showed resilience and belief to fight until the final whistle.

Broja’s late intervention not only salvaged a point but also provided a psychological boost as they look to climb away from danger.

Update Me