Goalkeeper Sels sends Nottingham Forest to FA Cup quarterfinals with decisive penalty save

KATHMANDU: Nottingham Forest secured their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals after goalkeeper Matz Sels made a crucial penalty save on Monday, ensuring a dramatic victory over Ipswich Town at the City Ground.

The intense match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time. In the penalty shootout, the first nine takers successfully converted their shots.

However, Sels dived to his left to deny Jack Taylor’s decisive attempt, sealing Forest’s 5-4 win and setting up a quarterfinal clash against Brighton.

After the match, Sels expressed his delight, saying, “It was just one penalty, and I guessed the right way! In shootouts, one goalkeeper always becomes the hero. I’m very happy and looking forward to the next game.”

The game was fiercely contested, presenting a different picture from the Premier League standings.

Forest has been one of the league’s surprise packages, currently sitting third—above Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.

Despite being near the bottom of the league, Ipswich took the lead in the 53rd minute through George Hirst’s header.

However, Ryan Yates equalized for Forest with a brilliant header from an Anthony Elanga cross.

Yates found the net again, but his goal was ruled out for offside, while Callum Hudson-Odoi’s long-range strike rattled the crossbar.

Both teams pushed for a winner in extra time, but the match ultimately went to penalties, where Sels emerged as the hero.