CHERRIES forward Antoine Semenyo said he is still processing Ghana's early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, but believes the experience at a major tournament will spur him on.

Semenyo was selected by his country for Africa’s showpiece tournament in the Ivory Coast, but despite lofty expectations, the Black Stars exited at the group stage after just three games.

The former Bristol City man started all three of Ghana’s fixtures, bringing his total tally of caps to 17.

However, after an opening defeat to Cape Verde and draws against Egypt and Mozambique, Ghana’s journey came to an abrupt end – costing former Brighton manager Chris Hughton his job as head coach.

“I mean, I feel like I'm still processing it right now,” Semenyo told the Daily Echo.

“But I know I've got a job at hand and I've got to help the team score goals and whatever.

“Just have to take how it comes every day and just continue training hard and try to let it go.”

Although not Semenyo’s first taste of a major tournament, having came off the bench to feature in the 2022 World Cup, the Cherries attacker admitted that the level of expectation and pressure was notable.

“A lot of pressure for sure," he restarted.

"I mean, you're representing a nation, you want to do well for them.

"So yeah, it's obviously disappointing how we went out.

“But you learn from these experiences and hopefully the next tournament we can rectify them.”

Asked if he could learn and take from the experience, even if it had ended poorly, the 24-year-old replied: “Definitely.

"Hopefully next year - we've got another one coming.

"So hopefully I’m going to be available for that and get picked.”

With the disappointment still fresh, Semenyo rushed back to the United Kingdom from west Africa to make himself available for Cherries’ FA Cup tie with Swansea City at the end of January.

An unused substitute in the 5-0 victory, the Ghanaian international started Cherries’ next two Premier League fixtures, 1-1 draws away at West Ham United and at home to Nottingham Forest.

“It's nice to be back in the team,” continued Semenyo.

“Obviously a tough tournament. I just wanted to come back and make myself available.

“That's my mentality.

"I wanted to be back in as quick as possible and work hard for the team whether I'm available or not, that’s my mentality.”

Semenyo will be working hard this week ahead of another trip to London, when Cherries visit Craven Cottage to face Fulham on Saturday, February 10 (3pm).

Cherries are one place and one point above Fulham in the Premier League table heading into the weekend’s clash.