Super Eagles right back Bright Osayi Samuel was in action for Birmingham City in their FA Cup fourth round clash against Leeds United, with the tie ending 1-1 after extra time before the visitors secured a 4-2 victory on penalties.
Birmingham made a strong start at home and nearly took the lead in the 11th minute. The ball fell kindly to Stansfield on the edge of the box and he struck a powerful volley that was brilliantly tipped onto the post by Leeds goalkeeper Perri. Two minutes later, there was a minute of applause from the Birmingham fans and players in support of Tom Wagner, who is currently recovering from a stroke.
The hosts continued to press. In the 34th minute, Gray delivered a deep cross from the left and Bright Osayi Samuel arrived at the back post but failed to make contact. Five minutes before the break, Gray forced another impressive save from Perri after driving into the box and unleashing a strong effort, with the Leeds goalkeeper keeping his side level.
Leeds broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half when Nmecha found the net to give the Premier League side a 1-0 lead. Birmingham responded positively and in the 59th minute Osayi Samuel produced a brilliant through pass to Vicente on the right. The winger attempted to pick out Priske, but Bornauw recovered to make a crucial last ditch tackle.
As the game entered its closing stages, Leeds were forced into a change when Okafor went off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Jayden Bogle. Birmingham also made an adjustment in the 83rd minute, with Kanya Fujimoto coming on for Osayi Samuel. Shortly after, Osman squandered a golden opportunity for the hosts, slipping as he prepared to shoot and sending his effort wide from inside the box.
Birmingham eventually found an equaliser in the 89th minute through Patrick Roberts. After a corner was partially cleared by Justin, Roberts struck from distance and his shot took a significant deflection off Justin’s head before flying into the top left corner to make it 1-1.
Extra time failed to produce a winner and the contest was decided by penalties. Stansfield converted Birmingham’s first kick before Piroe equalised for Leeds. Ducksch restored Birmingham’s advantage, but Calvert Lewin levelled again. Doyle then saw his effort saved by Perri, handing Leeds the initiative. Aaronson put the visitors ahead in the shootout and Roberts missed his attempt, leaving Leeds to seal a 4-2 victory from the spot via Longstaff who sent Ryan Allsop the wrong way.
Bright Osayi Samuel featured for 83 minutes, registering three clearances and four recoveries. He won two of his eight ground duels, completed 20 of 29 passes and recorded 53 touches in a solid individual display despite the defeat.
