Super Eagles duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu featured as Southampton booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Stoke City on Tuesday night.
Aribo started the fourth-round encounter and completed the full 90 minutes, while fellow Nigerian Onuachu came off the bench in the 67th minute to help Southampton see out a thrilling contest.
Softfootball understands that the Saints looked to be cruising after establishing a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Adam Armstrong doubled Southampton’s advantage 16 minutes later to put the hosts firmly in control.
However, Stoke City mounted an impressive comeback just before and after the interval. Ashley Phillips reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time before Tom Cannon restored parity in the 54th minute, setting up a tense finish.
With the game seemingly heading for penalties, James Bree emerged as Southampton’s hero by firing home the decisive goal in the 88th minute to seal a hard-fought 3-2 win.
The victory sends Southampton into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup and provides a timely confidence boost as they continue their domestic campaign. Aribo’s commanding display in midfield and Onuachu’s contribution after coming on ensured the Nigerian pair played their part in an entertaining cup triumph for the Saints.
