Soccer
Super Eagles and Fulham defender, Calvin Chinedu Bassey, found the back of the net as the Cottagers defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup 5th round, Soccernet.ng reports.
It was the 25-year-old’s first FA Cup start, and he made the occasion a memorable one by breaking the deadlock in the closing stages of the first half.
1st FA Cup appearance ✅
1st FA Cup goal ✅Calvin Bassey with a big header against Manchester United at Old Trafford ️ pic.twitter.com/ndPsa2W0hF
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) March 2, 2025
A corner kick was whipped in from the right by Andreas Pereira, who once donned Manchester United’s red jersey. The cross was met by Rodrigo Muniz, who flicked it on to the near post for Bassey.
The Nigerian defender headed the ball beyond Andre Onana to score his second career goal at the Theatre of Dreams.
BASSSEYYY!
Old Trafford is silenced as Calvin Bassey has his first FA Cup goal in his first-ever FA Cup game for @FulhamFC ⚪️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/VZZub4sUam
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 2, 2025
Bassey’s first goal against the Reds came in his first game for Marco Silva’s side after the AFCON 2023 final against Ivory Coast about a year ago.
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Bruno Fernandes levelled the score for Ruben Amorim’s side in the 71st minute. The Portuguese midfielder latched onto a cross from his national compatriot, Diogo Dalot. His left-footed striker put the ball beyond Bernd Leno.
Bruno Fernandes delivers for @ManUtd when they need him most
Their captain fantastic with an incredible finish on his weak foot #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/jSzVPoGbAt
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 2, 2025
Both sides were unable to be separated after 90 minutes, and the game headed into extra time. Nigeria-eligible teenage sensation, Chido-Obi Martin threatened on several occasions, but Leno’s hands came up trumps.
Alex Iwobi was withdrawn in the 107th minute, making way for Ryan Sessegnon. His replacement immediately made an impact as he entered into the fray, but his shot on goal was stopped by Andre Onana.
Both sides were unable to find the back of the net in extra time, and the game went on to a penalty shoot-out at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up for the Reds and sent Bernd Leno the wrong way. Raul Gimenez, Diogo Dalot, and Sander Berge all converted their spot-kicks.
Casemiro and Willian also converted, but Fulham’s hopes of a victory grew when Bernd Leno palmed Victor Lindelof’s spot-kick away. Antonee Robinson’s penalty kick sent Onana the wrong way, and the Cottagers could believe again.
Joshua Zirkzee, who impressed during regular time, played his penalty down the middle, and Leno saved the penalty kick to become the hero for Marco Silva’s side.
Fulham made history by beating United away in an FA Cup fixture for the first time by winning 4-3 on penalties, and can now dream of winning a major trophy as their already brilliant season gets even better. They face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-final.
BERND SAVES AND WE’RE THROUGH!
✅✅✅❌❌
✅✅✅✅— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 2, 2025
For Manchester United, the only star that could shine in a season that appears to be a very dark night for them is glory in the UEFA Europa League. They face Real Sociedad in the round of sixteen of the competition.
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