Leeds United end 39-year wait to reach FA Cup semi-finals

KATHMANDU: Leeds United have booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 39 years after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over West Ham United.

The quarter-final clash ended 2-2 after extra time, with Leeds initially dominating proceedings.

Ao Tanaka opened the scoring in the 26th minute, before Dominic Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 75th minute.

West Ham staged a late comeback in stoppage time. Jarrod Bowen struck the post, allowing Mateus Fernandes to convert the rebound. Moments later, Axel Disasi headed in a cross from Adama Traoré to level the match at 2-2.

Both sides had chances in extra time, but efforts from Valentín Castellanos and Pablo Fornals were ruled out for offside.

The tie was ultimately decided on penalties. West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola was forced off injured late on, with 20-year-old Finley Herrick stepping in. He saved the opening spot-kick, but Leeds converted all of their remaining attempts.

Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri proved decisive, saving penalties from Bowen and Fornals to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.

Leeds will now join Manchester City, Chelsea and Southampton in the semi-finals.

It marks Leeds’ first appearance at this stage since 1987, when they were beaten 3-2 by Coventry City. The club has lifted the FA Cup once in its history, defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the 1972 final.