Leicester 2 Brighton 2 (4-2 on pens): Foxes win shootout after ding-dong Carabao Cup battle to reach quarter-finals
PENALTY specialist Danny Ward saved Enock Mwepu’s spot kick to send Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup for the fourth time in five seasons.
The Welsh international dived to his left to push away the Seagull’s sub’s attempt as the Foxes goalie gained revenge for Mwepu’s 71st minute leveller.
Graham Potter’s men came from behind twice to set up a thrilling finale.
But Neal Maupay was the first to buckle after three successful penalties when his spot kick crashed off the crossbar.
And after James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Patson Daka and Ricardo Pereira all converted for the Foxes, the pressure told on Mwepu who lost his duel with Ward.
The FA Cup holders will now fancy their chances of adding the League Cup to their collection for the first time since 2008 after holders Man City exited the competition.
This was always going to be a night when 100% commitment and a positive, can-do attitude were minimum requirements for Leicester.
Brighton’s visit fell on the third anniversary of the tragic helicopter accident which robbed the Foxes of their beloved Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanprabha and four others.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
In his programme notes Khun Vichai’s son Aiyawatt – who was unable to attend in person – thanked fans from around the world for their ‘continuing love and support.’
And he commented: “Together, we will continue to build the Club’s future and turn my father’s dreams into a fitting legacy.”
Fans held aloft commemorative scarves during a minute’s silence which had ‘Mr Chairman,’ printed on one side and ‘Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha forever in our hearts,’ on the reverse.
But perhaps the most fitting tribute was Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up.
Fifty percent of Leicester’s outfield 10 had been produced by the Academy Vichai was so supportive of, while local lad and graduate Hamza Choudhury bore the captain’s armband.
Pumped-up from kick-off, Leicester ripped into the visitors who had seriously misjudged the whirlwind which awaited.
Within six minutes Graham Potter’s side were a goal down – stalling in first gear – while Leicester had already sped from 0-60.
Luke Thomas’ searching pass sent Patson Daka haring down the left, forcing Shane Duffy into a nervy back-pass to stand-in stopper Jason Steele.
He was similarly spooked by the speedy striker and his rash pass to Adam Webster was pounced on by Harvey Barnes who seized the ball and smacked it past the bemused goalie.
Brighton were rocking and were lucky not to fall two behind when Daka left Webster for dead before cutting back for Kiernan Desbury-Hall whose shot rattled the crossbar.
But gradually the Seagulls clawed their way back into the tie and Danny Ward did well to flip over a netbound effort from Jeremy Sarmiento for a corner.
But the relief was brief because Shane Duffy rag-dolled Choudhury and Jannick Vestergaard to head-on Pascal Gross’s corner.
And Webster reacted first in the six yard box to bundle the ball beyond Ward, three minutes into first half stoppage time.
However, that sparked an astonishing Leicester response as the home side restored their lead within seconds of the restart.
Again Daka hunted down his prey and forced Sarmiento into an ill-advised passback which Ademola Lookman pounced on before prodding the ball past Steele.
After the break Barnes brought out the best in the Brighton goalie who defied him twice to keep his side in the tie, allowing the Seagulls levelled for the second time.
Graham Potter had sent on his full quota of five subs and two of them combined to set up that dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Marc Cucarella burst beyond Leicester’s backline and his cross was met by Enock Mwepu whose looping header evaded Caglar Soyuncu on the line to find the top corner of the net.
Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals