Calvin Bassey has credited goalkeeper Bernd Leno for Fulham’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup fifth round.
Fulham booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating Ruben Amorim’s side 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Softfootball gathered that Leno emerged as the hero by producing two crucial saves during the shootout.
Bassey after the victory said:
He has been amazing. He has kept us in games so many times and deserves the recognition.
The Super Eagles defender also enjoyed a memorable evening, opening the scoring late in the first half with his first-ever FA Cup goal before United forced extra time.
Bassey admitted he was delighted to get on the scoresheet, joking that he had shown the instincts of a striker when reacting quickest to head the ball home. He said:
I like to say I’m a bit of a poacher,” he said. “I reacted first, got my head on it and it ended up in the back of the net.
The 25-year-old praised his teammates for their determination, insisting Fulham stayed composed throughout the contest before Leno’s brilliance sealed a famous victory from the penalty spot.
