Carabao Cup: Osayi-Samuel and Birmingham City spoil Ukaki's Sheffield United debut

Promising Nigerian attacker Ehije Ukaki made his official debut in English football as Sheffield United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the first round of the Carabao Cup at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

The 20-year-old joined the Blades during the summer transfer window on a three-year deal from Bulgarian outfit Botev Plovdiv. 

He caught the eye in pre-season, scoring against OGC Nice and Chesterfield in friendly matches, and was named in the squad for the opening day of the Championship campaign, though he remained an unused substitute.

Manager Rubén Sellés made ten changes for Wednesday’s tie, handing Ukaki his first competitive start. 

Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel was also involved, coming off the bench for the hosts in the 67th minute.

Furuhashi opened the scoring for Birmingham City in the fifth minute, punishing a defensive error from Sasnauskas after good work by Gray. 

Sheffield United came close to an immediate reply when Marsh twice threatened in quick succession, while Ukaki fired over from a promising position.

Just past the hour mark, Ukaki had another opportunity to level the scores but headed over the bar from close range.

Gustavo Hamer collected the ball in midfield and launched a sensational lob from the halfway line to beat the Birmingham goalkeeper and make it 1-1 in the 72nd minute. 

Jay Stansfield struck three minutes from time to seal Birmingham’s victory and send them through to the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: sufc.co.uk

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