Ghanaian-descent striker Eddie Nketiah finally got off the mark this season, firing Crystal Palace into the EFL Cup quarter-finals at Craven Cottage.
Eddie Nketiah, the England international of Ghanaian heritage, has his first goal of the season, and it could not have come at a better moment. His 37th-minute strike at Craven Cottage was enough to send Crystal Palace past Fulham 1-0 and into the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
The former Arsenal forward started the London derby and led the line for 71 minutes before making way. He made his one big moment count, and it proved to be the only goal of a tight contest between two neighbours.
After the opener, Palace stayed disciplined and protected their slender advantage. Fulham pushed for an equaliser but could not break through, and the visitors saw out the win to claim a place in the last eight.
For Nketiah, the timing matters. He had been waiting to open his account this campaign, and a decisive goal in a knockout tie is the kind of lift a striker needs. If he can build on it, he will make a stronger case for a regular role in Palace's attack.
Palace can now look ahead to the quarter-finals, while Nketiah will aim to turn one important goal into a run of them.
