Ndidi, Iheanacho bow out of FA Cup after Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke bag late-goals to see Chelsea past Leicester City
In Sunday afternoon’s English FA Cup quarter-final clash between Leicester City and Chelsea, at least four players with Nigerian roots were listed. The match saw Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho face off against Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke.
Leicester City bowed out of the FA Cup after Chukwuemeka and Madueke scored late goals to secure a 4-2 victory for Chelsea.
Chelsea survived a thrilling encounter against Leicester City, clinching a dramatic 4-2 victory in stoppage time to secure a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke played key roles in securing the win for the Blues in a match filled with twists and turns at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea appeared to be in control with a 2-0 lead until Axel Disasi scored a bizarre own goal from 35 yards out, injecting new life into the game in the 51st minute.
Stephy Mavididi’s superb equalizer further intensified the pressure on Chelsea, leading to unrest among the Stamford Bridge faithful with loud boos and chants directed at manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, a crucial turning point came when Leicester’s Callum Doyle received a red card for fouling Nicolas Jackson. Initially shown a yellow card and conceding a penalty, the foul was later determined to be outside the box, resulting in Doyle’s dismissal.
Seizing the opportunity, Chelsea pressed relentlessly, with Chukwuemeka slotting in a crucial goal in the 92nd minute after an assist from Cole Palmer. Madueke’s long-range strike sealed the victory, ensuring Chelsea’s progression to the semi-finals.
Despite missing a penalty earlier in the match, Chelsea’s victory keeps their hopes alive of clinching the FA Cup for the first time since 2018, amidst a challenging season.
Meanwhile, Leicester’s focus now shifts back to the Championship as they aim to secure promotion to the Premier League, with their lead at the top of the table reduced to just one point.
Although Leicester impressed with their performance, the red card proved costly, denying them the opportunity to capitalize on their momentum and secure a comeback win against Chelsea. However, their display reaffirms their potential to return to the top flight at the end of the season.
