Reggae Boy Michail Antonio Helps West Ham Win Europa Conference League

Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 6:50 PM GMT-5

Michail Antonio and West Ham are celebrating their historic victory against Italian powerhouse Florentina in the Europa Conference League. West Ham needed a last-minute winner from Jarrod Bowen to capture their first major title in 43 years.

After winning the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965, the club has waited more than four decades for a major trophy and now has won a European title for the second time. In addition, it assures them a place in next year’s Europa League after they finish 14th in the English Premier League this season.

Antonio was his usual self by being a constant pest and menace to the Florentina defence but without any success as the first half ended 0-0, after being fouled on numerous occasions by defenders from the Italian side.

The Jamaican international saw a good shot from his boot blocked by a Florentina defender as he ran relentlessly at both ends of the field, but failed to replicate what he did in the semi-final against Az Alkmaar by finding the back of the net in the first leg, which was instrumental in helping West Ham book their spot in the final.

It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that Said Benrahma tucked home a penalty to give West Ham a much-deserved lead. However, a quickfire strike by Giacomo Bonaventura soon after in the 67th minute cancelled West Ham’s advantage.

In an almost fairytale end to the tense encounter for the London-based team coached by the ‘chosen one’ David Moyes, Bowen put away an excellent pass from Lucas Paqueta with a calm finish to steal the victory from Florentina in the 90th minute.

See Antonio’s reaction to the victory below:

TRENDING