Francis Uzoho: Omonia Nicosia Keeper Earns Praise After Spectacular Performance vs Man United in Europa League

Francis Uzoho: Omonia Nicosia Keeper Earns Praise After Spectacular Performance vs Man United in Europa League

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:14 PM
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  • Francis Uzoho staged a five-star perfomance during Omonia Nicosia's Europa League clash vs Man United
  • The Nigerian keeper pulled a string of brilliant saves during the entire match to deny United stars a chance to score
  • Uzoho silenced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro as the Red Devils struggled to get a breakthrough at Old Trafford

Omonia Nicosia's backup goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was unarguably the Cypriot side's hero for the night during their Europa League clash with Man United at Old Trafford.

The Nigerian international turned into prime Gianluigi Buffon as he pulled a string of stunning saves to deny United a sniff at the goal.

The 23-year-old faced more than 31 shots at goal but did enough to keep his side in the game.

Francis Uzoho, Omonia Nicosia, Man United, Old Trafford, Europa League, Casemiro, Rashford, Ronaldo.
Francis Uzoho saves a shot from Marcus Rashford during the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Manchester United and Omonoia Nicosia at Old Trafford. Photo by Oli Scarff.
Source: Getty Images

United were the dominant side for the better part of the Thursday night, October 13, clash but had to wait until stoppage time to get the winner finally.

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Omonia had Uzoho to thank for not conceding much earlier, with the Nigerian shutting out United's deadly attack line.

While the goalkeeper's incredible fingertip save to deny Casemiro a golden chance to hand the Red Devils the lead was perhaps the highlight of the first half, he still managed to keep several other United players at bay, including Marcus Rashford, Fred, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

His imperious form did not escape the eye of many fans, who took to social media to shower him with praises.

One said:

"Prime Buffon, Schmeichel, etc rolled into one tonight."

A second suggested Uzoho could be a possible replacement for David de Gea.

"Audition for De Gea job."

Another added:

"Uzoho turns prime Manuel Neuer playing against his boyhood club at Old Trafford."

A fourth wondered:

"Why does every goalkeeper turn into Spider-Man against Manchester United? How is this Uzoho?"

While another noted:

"This entire game has just been Rashford vs Omonia’s keeper."

McTominay earns United vital win

Despite Uzoho's heroics, Omonia were unable to hold firm to the scoreline as they allowed the hosts to score at the death.

Scott McTominay came on as a substitute in the second half and fired home United's winner with a few moments left before full-time.

The win leaves Erik ten Hag's men sitting second in Group E with nine points, three behind group leaders Real Sociedad, who have won all their four fixtures.

Mascot copies Ronaldo celebration

Earlier, Sports Brief reported there was a viral moment prior to the clash between Sporting Lisbon and Marseille on Wednesday night as a young mascot imitated Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration in full glare of the cameras.

On Sunday, Ronaldo ditched his famous ‘Siiu’ celebration for a completely new one as he scored his 700th club goal in United’s 2-1 win over Everton.

The new celebration entailed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner clasping his hands together and closing his eyes in a thoughtful-looking pose to mimic someone who is in a light sleep.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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