In a historic moment for Fulham Football Club, they advanced to the League Cup Semi-Finals for the first time in their history after a thrilling penalty shootout victory at Goodison Park.
A subdued 90 minutes saw the Whites take the lead late in the first half when Michael Keane inadvertently put the ball into his own net. However, Everton forced the match into penalties with Beto’s 82nd-minute equalizer.
The penalty shootout showcased a high standard of spot-kicks, with only three out of 16 takers missing. Tosin’s successful kick proved decisive, securing Fulham’s place in the final four of the Carabao Cup.
Manager Marco Silva fielded a strong starting XI, including the return of Calvin Bassey and the captaincy debut of Harrison Reed. The match, as predicted, was closely contested, with neither team creating significant chances until late in the first half.
Fulham’s breakthrough came when Antonee Robinson’s effort led to an own goal by Keane, ending Everton’s streak of not conceding a goal in five matches.
The second half featured more goalmouth action, with both teams having opportunities, but Fulham remained solid defensively. Beto’s close-range header for Everton equalized the game, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, both teams displayed clinical finishing, with the score level after the initial set of kicks. The tension increased when Pickford saved Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s attempt, but Bernd Leno responded with a crucial save against Amadou Onana.
Tensions rose further when Carlos Vinicius leveled the score, and a miss from Everton’s Idrissa Gueye gave Fulham the advantage. The pressure was on Tosin, who calmly slotted the ball beyond Pickford, securing a historic moment for Fulham Football Club.