Manchester City vs Paris Saint Germain: Semenyo and Hakimi headline the ultimate Champions League clash

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Morocco's Achraf Hakimi and Ghana's Antoine Semenyo have been named in the starting lineups for Wednesday's Champions League clash between Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain, with three more African internationals available from the bench.

The two European heavyweights meet at the Etihad Stadium on 14 October in the second matchday of the 2026 /27 UEFA Champions League league phase, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 GMT.

Hakimi starts at right back for Luis Enrique's PSG while Semenyo has been selected in Manchester City's attack alongside Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jérémy Doku.

According to Manchester City's official team announcement, Senegal's Iliman Ndiaye, Algeria's Rayan Aït-Nouri and Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi are among the substitutes.

Read Also: [ Champions League ] / Follow Man City – PSG live on Foot Africa! (Live commentary)

Achraf Hakimi faces a major test against Manchester City

Hakimi's role could prove particularly important against a Manchester City attack that has made an impressive start to the season.

The Moroccan defender is expected to operate on PSG's right flank where his defensive responsibilities could include containing Belgian winger Jérémy Doku.

City's pace on the wings will present a challenge for Hakimi whose attacking runs are a central feature of Luis Enrique's approach.

The 27 year old also has an individual milestone within reach.

As Foot Africa recently reported, another Champions League appearance could see Hakimi move ahead of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o in the publication's ranking of African appearances in the competition.

Having helped PSG win consecutive Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026, Hakimi now faces another demanding European assignment.

Antoine Semenyo leads Manchester City's African contingent

On the opposite side, Ghana international Antoine Semenyo will be hoping to make an impact against the defending European champions.

The 26 year old has established himself as an important attacking option under Enzo Maresca.

He previously demonstrated his versatility by expressing his willingness to operate as a centre-forward when required as highlighted in Foot Africa's report on Semenyo's attacking role.

Against PSG, Semenyo starts in a wide attacking position, offering City another direct runner capable of stretching the opposition defence.

However, he is not the only African international in Maresca's squad.

Algerian left-back Rayan Aït-Nouri begins among the substitutes, alongside Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye.

Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is also available from the bench following his summer move from Lille to Manchester City.

The presence of Hakimi and Bouaddi on opposing teams adds another point of interest for Moroccan supporters.

Manchester City and PSG enter the clash in strong form

Both clubs opened their Champions League campaigns with victories.

Manchester City defeated Porto 2-0 away from home while PSG recorded an emphatic 6-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava.

City also arrive after an impressive 3-0 Premier League win against Liverpool at Anfield on 11 October.

Speaking before Wednesday's encounter, Maresca stressed the scale of the challenge against the reigning European champions.

"We need the perfect game" the Italian coach said during his pre-match press conference.

PSG, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their strong European record after winning the competition in consecutive seasons.

The Parisian club also prevailed in the most recent meeting between the two teams, recovering from a two goal deficit to defeat City 4-2 in January 2025.

What could decide the African battle at the Etihad?

Much of the contest could be shaped by the wide areas.

Hakimi's ability to support PSG's attacks while containing City's wingers will be an important tactical consideration.

Semenyo meanwhile could trouble the French champions through his physical strength, direct running and ability to attack spaces behind defenders.

The possible introduction of Aït-Nouri, Ndiaye or Bouaddi would add further African representation as the match develops.

With both clubs seeking a second Champions League victory of the season, Hakimi and Semenyo have an opportunity to influence a major European encounter while representing African football on one of the competition's biggest stages.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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Paris Saint-Germain

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