FA Community Shield: Ngumoha unused sub as Liverpool lose to Crystal Palace on penalties

Liverpool's teenager sensation Rio Ngumoha was an unused substitute as the Reds failed to claim their first silverware of the 2025/26 season, losing the 2025 Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The match ended 2-2 after ninety minutes, with Crystal Palace eventually triumphing 3-2 in the penalty shootout to secure the victory.

New signings Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong were on target for the Reds, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr netted for the Eagles.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer and has quickly made an impression during pre-season ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign.

The young forward showcased his blistering pace, direct dribbling, and clinical finishing throughout the club's summer friendlies, scoring against Stoke City, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Athletic Bilbao.

His performances caught the eye of manager Arne Slot, who rewarded the teenager with a place on the bench for the season's curtain-raiser.

Although Ngumoha failed to make his first competitive appearance against an English top-flight team, his inclusion signals the faith Liverpool's coaching staff have in his potential.

With the 2025/26 campaign ahead, the highly rated youngster will be aiming to build on his pre-season form and force his way into the senior side.

Adeyemi Adewale
 

Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com 

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