Super Eagles trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey will no longer feature in this season’s FA Cup after Fulham were knocked out of the competition following a 1–0 defeat to Southampton on Sunday.
Despite playing away from home, the Saints stunned the Cottagers with a late penalty converted by substitute Ross Stewart, sealing victory and booking their place in the quarterfinals.
Chukwueze played the full 90 minutes in the encounter, while Iwobi was introduced in the second half as Fulham searched for a breakthrough. Bassey, however, was rested and did not feature in the game.
Fulham had the ball in the net twice but were denied on both occasions. Striker Rodrigo Muniz believed he had opened the scoring in the first half, but his effort was ruled out for an infringement before the ball crossed the line. The hosts found the net again in the 54th minute, only for the goal to be cancelled for offside.
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Iwobi came on in the 65th minute and quickly made his presence felt, creating several decent opportunities as Fulham pushed for the opener, but the hosts failed to convert their chances.
The decisive moment arrived in the 90th minute when Finn Azaz won a penalty for Southampton. Stewart stepped up and clinically converted the spot kick to score the game’s only goal.
Southampton will now advance to the last eight of the competition where they will join some top Premier League teams including leaders Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
For Fulham, focus now shifts back to the Premier League as Marco Silva’s side continue their push for European qualification. Their next fixture will see them face relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Sunday, March 15.
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