WREXHAM, Wales (AP) — Big names appeared in the FA Cup on Friday, but one of them was immediately shot down.
The thrilling match ended 3-3 after 90 minutes and extra time, with Championship club Wrexham defeating Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties.
Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo was the hero, making two saves to take his side through to the fourth round.
The Welsh team, co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, led 2-0 by half-time with goals from Liberato Cacace and Olly Rathbone.
Igor Jesus pulled one back with a header in the 64th minute, but 10 minutes later Dominic Higham restored Wrexham’s two-goal lead with a diving header.
Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi scored in the 76th and 89th minutes to send the game into extra time, but neither team could get a lead and the game went to penalties.
James McClain was absent for Wrexham, but Okonkwo delighted the home fans with saves from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson.
“The manager spoke to us before the game and told us about the history of the club and how we can beat teams that are much better than us,” said an elated Okonkwo. “It was great to win the game at the end. We just have to enjoy the moment.”
The FA Cup begins in August, with 446 clubs dreaming of qualifying for the famous final at Wembley Stadium, but this third round is the only place the top two teams can qualify.
Friday’s victory was another memorable chapter in the rise of the Welsh club, which was acquired by Hollywood couple Reynolds and McElhenney in 2021.
The stars have watched Wrexham’s meteoric rise and three successive promotions. They are in ninth place in the championship, and Friday’s win was their fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
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