Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey scored the opening goal in Fulham’s FA Cup 5th round victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Bassey was making his first start in the competition and he marked it with a superb header to put the Cottagers in front on enemy territory just before half time.
Fulham took full advantage of United’s set-piece frailty when Andreas Pereira’s corner kick came in from the left corner flag.
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Rodrigo Muniz made first contact with the cross, flicking it on for Bassey, whose header beat Man United’s Andre Onana’s despairing dive.
The Red Devils found an equalizer in the second half through skipper Bruno Fernandes after a fantastic piece of wide play from second half substitute Alejandro Garnacho and Diogo Dalot.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, Fernandes’ goal proved to be the last one in the game with the tie going into extra time and eventually, a penalty shootout.
Bassey’s Fulham went on to emerge winners in the shout-out following two massive saves from Bernd Leno, who stopped Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee from converting their spot kicks.
With tonight’s goal, Bassey has now scored twice against Manchester United at Old Trafford. His first Old Trafford goal came in a 2-1 Premier League win back in February 2024.
Bassey’s current form will be a delight for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to see as he prepares to make his first squad announcement ahead of Nigeria’s all-important World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
