Championship side Southampton FC pulled off a major upset in the FA Cup after securing a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Fulham FC on Sunday, with Nigerian stars Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi both featuring for the Premier League side.
The encounter at Craven Cottage looked destined for extra time after both teams battled through a tense and evenly contested match.
However, Southampton snatched the winner late in the game when Finn Azaz was brought down inside the penalty area by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen.
Substitute Ross Stewart stepped up confidently and converted the resulting penalty to give the Championship club a crucial lead and ultimately seal their passage into the quarter-finals.
For Fulham, Nigerian internationals Chukwueze and Iwobi were both involved as the London side pushed to break down a determined Southampton defense.
Chukwueze provided pace and attacking intent on the flanks, while Iwobi worked tirelessly in midfield to create opportunities.
Despite their efforts, Fulham struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances.
Southampton arguably created the better openings throughout the match.
Finn Azaz nearly gave the visitors the lead earlier in the game, but Fulham goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte produced an outstanding save to keep the score level.
Lecomte was again called into action to deny Tom Fellows, ensuring the match remained finely balanced until the decisive moment arrived late on.
The victory makes Southampton the first club outside the Premier League to reach the quarter-finals of this season’s FA Cup, highlighting their impressive cup run.
They now join a formidable group of teams already through to the last eight, including Arsenal FC, Manchester City FC, Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC.
Meanwhile, the FA Cup fifth-round fixtures continue with Port Vale FC hosting Sunderland AFC, while Leeds United face Norwich City FC. Another all-Premier League clash is scheduled for Monday as West Ham United takes on Brentford FC.
The post Chukwueze and Iwobi Feature as Fulham Crash Out of FA Cup to Southampton first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
