Three Players Of Nigerian Descent On Target As Arsenal Move Into FAYC Semis

A second-half blitz saw Arsenal U18s trounce Colchester United U18s 5-1 enroute to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday evening at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Three Nigerian starlets in the shape of Xavier Amaechi, Folarin Balogun and Bukayo Saka were on song for the youthful Gunners in the victory.

The game was goalless until the 40th minute, when Emile Smith Rowe's fierce left-footed strike beat Harry Seaden to break the deadlock.

Harry Jones converted a penalty to draw the opposition level within three minutes of the restart but Rowe struck a beautiful freekick to put Arsenal ahead again before Bukayo Saka - who scored a crucial goal at Anfield earlier in the competition - got his name on the scoresheet.

Kwame Ampadu's side registered a fourth goal through Folarin Balogun who held his nerve to finish coolly before his compatriot, Xavier Amaechi rounded off a good evening work with a goal of his own 14 minutes from time.

While Joshua Olowu was not included in the matchday squad for Arsenal, Tobi Omole was named among the substitutes for the game.

Arsenal would now face Blackpool in the semi-finals of the competition.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : arsenal.com