Updated at 21.51
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND striker Michael Obafemi made his full senior debut for Southampton this evening as they lost out to Leicester in penalties after playing out a goalless draw in the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
18-year-old Obafemi, who recently made his international bow for the Boys in Green, made an impressive first start at the King Power Stadium, after previously lining out for the seniors.
He hit the first notable chance of the night after just 23 minutes against Leicester. After gathering possession, Obafemi ran at the Leicester defence and managed to get his shot on target after he was forced out wide.
But he was denied by Leiceter goalkeeper Danny Ward who repelled the shot with his leg.
⚡️ @michaelobafemi_ ⚡️
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 27, 2018
21: Great pace from the #SaintsFC striker who sees his shot blocked by the #LCFC keeper at the end of a lung-bursting run! 👏 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/pGQbnGvTFX
The sides couldn’t be separated at the normal time and Obafemi was withdrawn in the 89th minute of the tie.
The game went to penalties where Leicester prevailed with Nampalys Mendy scoring the decisive spot-kick to put his side through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.
PENS: @Mgabbia23 is denied by Ward and Mendy scores to win the tie for Leicester... 😔#SaintsFC: ✅✅✅✅✅❌#LCFC: ✅✅✅✅✅✅
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 27, 2018
The Dublin youngster born to Nigerian parents made his senior Republic of Ireland debut against Denmark earlier this month, coming on for Callum O’Dowda in the 80th minute of a goalless draw in Aarhus.
Two first #SaintsFC starts! 😇
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) November 27, 2018
Valery 4️⃣3️⃣ 🇫🇷
Obafemi 6️⃣1️⃣ 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/bYIqqzFJbT
His introduction put an end to any uncertainty about his international allegiance, and he also made some history in the process as he became the first player born in this millennium to win a senior cap for Ireland.
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