FA Cup: Alex Iwobi’s Fulham survive Korean Bae without Super Eagles teammates

Premier League club Fulham narrowly avoided a major FA Cup disaster on Sunday afternoon, scoring twice in the final six minutes to snatch a 2-1 victory from the clutches of a resilient Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters appeared to be on the verge of a historic giant-killing after Korean sensation Bae Jun-ho fired the home side into the lead in the 19th minute. 

The stadium was rocking as Stoke’s disciplined defence frustrated the Premier League visitors and their Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi for the majority of the match.

Despite the mounting pressure, Fulham’s top-flight pedigree eventually surfaced in a frantic finale. The breakthrough came late, as Brazilian youngster Kevin found the back of the net to level the scores and break Stoke hearts.

Just as the match seemed destined for a replay, Harrison Reed delivered the decisive blow in the 84th minute, firing home to silence the Staffordshire crowd and secure Fulham’s place in the last 16.

Stoke City's FA Cup dreams were ruthlessly extinguished in the final six minutes on Sunday as Premier League Fulham staged a clinical late comeback, the gulf in class finally told in the closing stages.

Super Eagles midfielder Iwobi was the engine room for the Cottagers, putting in a gritty shift in midfield from start to finish. However, he had to navigate the scare without his usual Nigerian compatriots on the pitch.

The former Everton and Arsenal star played the full 90 minutes, providing the veteran presence needed for the comeback.

Calvin Bassey, meanwhile, returned to the bench after starting against Man City in their last game and was an unused substitute, watching the drama unfold from the bench.

Samuel Chukwueze, on the other hand, was not listed in the matchday squad for the trip to the Bet365 Stadium.

Iwobi played in midfield from start to finish, but Calvin Bassey watched on the bench while Samuel Chukwueze was not listed for the away trip.

The victory keeps Fulham’s hopes of silverware alive, though they depart the Potteries knowing they came dangerously close to an early exit.