Wrexham AFC produced a monumental FA Cup upset by knocking out Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a heart-stopping penalty shootout at the Racecourse Ground. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks to secure a famous victory after a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Forest Folly Hands Wrexham Shock Lead
Despite making eight changes, a strong Forest side started brightly but failed to capitalise on early chances. Wrexham, buoyed by a packed home crowd, grew in confidence. The game's major turning point came from Nottingham Forest's sloppy play in possession. First, defender Morato was dispossessed by Sam Smith, leading to a missed chance for the hosts.
The warning was not heeded. Just before half-time, Omari Hutchinson lost the ball on the edge of his own area. New Zealand defender Liberato Cacace pounced, firing home with a deflection to send the stadium into raptures. Three minutes later, more lax play from Forest was punished. Wrexham won the ball high again, and Ollie Rathbone's effort found the net via a ricochet, doubling the lead.
Hudson-Odoi's Late Brace Forces Extra Time
Forest manager Sean Dyche made a triple substitution at half-time, introducing Morgan Gibbs-White to spark a reaction. The playmaker immediately made an impact, forcing a superb save from Okonkwo. Forest pulled a goal back when Igor Jesus headed in from Nicolo Savona's cross in the 71st minute.
Just as Wrexham looked to have sealed it through Dom Hyam's header from a George Dobson free-kick, Forest launched a stunning late comeback. Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scored a brilliant individual goal to make it 3-2, before netting an elegant equaliser in the 89th minute to send the tie to extra time.
Okonkwo the Shootout Saviour
With chances limited in extra time, the match was decided from the penalty spot. After James McClean blasted Wrexham's second penalty over, the pressure was on. Arthur Okonkwo rose to the occasion, saving Forest's first penalty from Igor Jesus. With the score at 4-3 to Wrexham, Okonkwo then denied Omari Hutchinson's decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations and confirming a giant-killing for the history books.
The result marks a bitter end to Forest's FA Cup campaign, a competition they deprioritised amidst their Premier League survival battle. For Wrexham and their Hollywood owners, the glory of knocking out top-flight opposition in such dramatic fashion will live long in the memory.
