Omanghana
Enzo Maresca’s first match as Manchester City manager ended in defeat as Inter Milan secured a 3-1 penalty-shootout victory following a competitive 1-1 draw in Hong Kong.
The preseason fixture was played before 42,286 spectators at the air-conditioned Kai Tak Stadium, with the roof closed following several days of stormy weather.
Divin Mubama gave City an early lead after excellent work from Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo, but Benjamin Pavard equalized for Inter six minutes later. Neither team could find a winner after the interval, sending the Asahi Super Dry Trophy match directly to penalties.
Semenyo Creates City’s Opening Goal
City took the lead in the 14th minute when Semenyo drove down the left flank, beat his defender and delivered a low cross into the six-yard area.
Mubama timed his run well and converted from close range to score the first goal of Maresca’s tenure.
Semenyo almost doubled the advantage shortly afterwards. The 26-year-old cut into the penalty area and directed a powerful effort towards goal, but Inter goalkeeper Josep Martínez produced a strong leg save.
Pavard Draws Inter Level
Inter responded in the 20th minute after City failed to deal decisively with an attacking move involving Federico Dimarco.
The ball reached Pavard inside the penalty area, and the French defender finished from approximately 12 yards to make it 1-1.
The Serie A champions continued to threaten during an energetic first half, while City also created opportunities through Phil Foden, Savinho and Mubama.
Pavard was later named the official Man of the Match.
City Hit Woodwork After Halftime
Maresca made several changes at the interval, introducing academy and younger first-team players as he assessed his squad ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.
City controlled much of the second half and came close to regaining the lead. Vitor Reis struck the woodwork, while Ryan McAidoo also hit the post after making an impact from the bench.
Inter made extensive substitutions of their own, replacing all 11 starters before the closing stages. Ivan Provedel took over in goal and eventually played a decisive role in the shootout.
Despite City’s pressure, the score remained level when the referee ended the match after 90 minutes.
Inter Win Shootout 3-1
Rayan Aït-Nouri took City’s opening penalty but sent his effort over the crossbar. Abdukodir Khusanov then struck the post.
Claudio Echeverri converted City’s only successful penalty with a composed Panenka, but Nico González was denied by Provedel.
Inter scored through Piotr Zieliński, Mattia Mosconi and Matteo Lavelli, with Lavelli converting the decisive kick to complete the 3-1 shootout victory. Inter Milan
Semenyo Impresses on the Left
Although Pavard received the official match award, Semenyo was one of City’s strongest performers during his time on the pitch.
The Ghana international repeatedly troubled Inter from the left, created Mubama’s goal and nearly scored himself. He operated as part of an interchangeable attacking line involving Foden and Savinho behind the central striker.
Semenyo said City’s players were beginning to understand Maresca’s tactical demands and praised the support the squad had received since arriving in Hong Kong.
“The support has been amazing,” he said, noting that City fans had gathered in large numbers at the team hotel, open training session and stadium.
Maresca Begins Post-Guardiola Era
The game represented the beginning of a new era for City following Maresca’s appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
Several leading players were unavailable after participating in the 2026 World Cup, giving Maresca an opportunity to assess academy prospects alongside established first-team players.
City will now travel to Seoul to face a K League All-Star team on August 5 before meeting Atlético Madrid on August 9.
Despite the shootout defeat, City’s second-half control, opportunities created by younger players and Semenyo’s performance provided Maresca with encouraging signs ahead of the new season.
Source: Omanghana
