By Korede James
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was on target on Sunday as Fulham defeated holders Manchester United 4-3 on penalties at Old Trafford to progress to the quarter-finals of the English FA Cup.
Full-time and extra-time of the fifth round clash ended 1-1.
Also in action for Fulham was Bassey’s fellow Nigeria international Alex Iwobi, who was replaced by Ryan Sessegnon in extra-time.
Danish youth international with Nigerian roots, Chido Obi-Martin, made his first appearance in the FA Cup for Manchester United after replacing Rasmus Hojlund on 68 minutes.
Bassey opened the scoring one minute into first-half added time, heading home Rodrigo Muniz’s assist from a corner kick
United equalised in the 71st minute thanks to skipper Bruno Fernandes who steered home Diogo Dalot’s cross beyond Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.
After both teams failed to produce the winning goal, the encounter was decided via a penalty shootout.
Unlike in the third round where they triumphed over Arsenal, United were not lucky this time as they lost the shootout.
While Fulham converted all their four kicks Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee missed for Ruben Amorim’s side.
In the other fifth round clash earlier on Sunday, Brighton and Hove Albion came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 in extra-time.
Alexander Isak had put the Magpies 1-0 ahead in the 22md minutes but Yankuba Minteh drew Brighton level just beforehalf-time.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey were sent off late in the second half, before Manchester United and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck netted the winner in extra-time.
In the quarter-finals, Fulham will host fellow London side Crystal Palace, Preston North End will welcome Aston Villa, Manchester City will visit Bournemouth and Brighton will face either Nottingham Forest or Ipswich Town.
FA CUP QUARTER-FINAL PAIRINGS:
Fulham vs. Crystal Palace
Preston vs. Aston Villa
Bournemouth vs. Man City
Brighton vs. Nottingham Forest/Ipswich
