Super-subs: Nigeria-eligible duo come off the bench to rescue Chelsea in win against Ndidi's Leicester 

Chelsea are through to the semifinals of the Emirates FA Cup after a hard-fought 4-2 win against Leicester City at  Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi made his first start since his recovery from a muscle injury that ruled him out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea's Super Eagles-eligible duo Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke were named on the bench.

Marc Cucurella gave Chelsea a dream start after tapping home at the back post to open the scoring in the 13th minute and their advantage was doubled through the in-form Cole Palmer in first half stoppage time when he turned home a cross from Raheem Sterling.

Leicester City pulled one back five minutes into the second half after a bizarre own goal from Axel Disasi, who inadvertently sent the ball into his own net under pressure from Zambia international Patson Daka.

In the 62nd minute, Stephy Mavididi scored a beauty, curling the ball into the far corner to bring the game back to parity. 

The dismissal of Leicester City defender Callum Doyle turned the game on its head as Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino threw on Chukwuemeka and Madueke in the 78th and 86th minute respectively and it proved to be two inspired substitutions.

The home team's numerical advantage eventually told as Chukwuemeka slotted beyond Stolarczyk in the 92nd minute before Madueke found the top corner eight minutes into stoppage time to wrap up the scoring. 

Chelsea have reached the semifinals  in six of their last eight eight FA Cup campaigns while the Foxes have bowed out at this stage in six of their last seven attempts.

Igho Kingsley 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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