Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo made an instant impact on Monday evening, netting inside the first minute to hand AFC Bournemouth a crucial 1-0 win over Fulham and revive their push for European football.

The 24-year-old struck just 53 seconds into the encounter at the Vitality Stadium, pouncing on a defensive blunder from Fulham captain Antonee Robinson to score what proved to be the match-winner — his 10th goal of the Premier League season.

Bournemouth took the lead with just 53 seconds on the clock thanks to Semenyo’s eighth Premier League goal of the season, as the Cherries ended a six-match winless run to climb above Fulham and go eighth.

“We believe in ourselves, and getting an early goal gave us confidence to manage the game,” Semenyo said after the match.

The Cherries, who had failed to win in their last six league outings, were desperate for a spark — and Semenyo provided exactly that. Capitalising on a loose pass from Timothy Castagne, Bournemouth's Alex Scott launched a quick counter. Robinson then miscontrolled the ball, allowing Semenyo to steal possession, cut inside Joachim Andersen, and calmly curl a shot into the bottom-left corner.

Despite the early breakthrough, Bournemouth couldn't extend their lead, with Brazilian striker Evanilson hitting the crossbar from close range in the 16th minute.

Fulham responded with intensity and had several chances of their own, particularly through Rodrigo Muniz, who came close on multiple occasions. The visitors' best opportunity fell to Ryan Sessegnon, but the winger’s weak header was easily saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The second half was marred by confusion in the Fulham dugout, as manager Marco Silva appeared visibly frustrated over a triple substitution that saw Sessegnon withdrawn — possibly in error — alongside Sander Berge and Muniz. “There was some confusion, and it took too long to get the changes done,” Silva admitted post-match.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa kept his side in front with crucial saves, including tipping away an Alex Iwobi strike and gathering an effort from Sasa Lukic.

The hosts appealed for a penalty in the 80th minute when Evanilson went down in the box, but VAR confirmed Fulham keeper Bernd Leno had made slight contact with the ball.

Bournemouth held firm during seven minutes of stoppage time to secure their first home win since January and leapfrog both Fulham and Brighton into eighth place on goal difference.

Head coach Andoni Iraola praised Semenyo’s performance: “He’s a fighter and gives us a lot in transition. That goal set the tone for the entire match.”

With the season nearing its climax, the win breathes new life into Bournemouth’s hopes of securing a historic qualification for European competition, and Semenyo’s lightning start may prove pivotal in the final reckoning.