Super Eagles and Fulham defender, Calvin Chinedu Bassey, found the back of the net as the Cottagers took on 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 goalCalvin 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 is currently in 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Alex Iwobi was withdrawn in the 107th minute, replaced by Ryan Sessegnon. His substitute immediately made an impact as he entered into the fray, but his shot on goal was well 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.
More to follow…
