Francis Uzoho won a lot of fans on Thursday night at Old Trafford (Picture: BT Sport)
Omonia may have suffered an injury-time defeat to Manchester United on Thursday, but goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was not too disappointed after a superb performance at Old Trafford which he had prayed for before the game.
The Cypriot side were unsurprisingly dominated by the home team, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was in fine form and made a string of impressive saves over 90 minutes as Untied unleashed 34 shots at goal.
Scott McTominay came off the bench and scored the only goal of the game in the 93rd minute, but while that was a blow, the 23-year-old stopper was not down after the final whistle.
Uzoho is usually Omonia’s second choice ‘keeper but got a chance due to injury to the first choice stopper Fabiano, allowing him to play against the team he grew up supporting.
‘I am not disappointed because we had a good game, but I would have preferred to get at least a point,’ the Nigerian international told BT Sport, with a beaming smile. ‘But I’m happy, it’s not an easy stadium to play in with these big players, so I’m happy in general.
‘It’s a dream come true for me. I have dreamed to play here for a long, long time. When I saw the draw and figured I’d be playing in Old Trafford, I wanted to play and prayed to God to get an opportunity to play. I got it and I’m happy I played here.
Cristiano Ronaldo was certainly impressed with Uzoho (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I am proud of my teammates, it was not a one man job. We gave everything on the field. I am happy with my performance and that’s it.’
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon is in charge of Omonia and was proud of his goalkeeper, who he hopes can continue to turn in that level of performance in future.
‘He really stood up to the challenge, he was inspired, he was unbelievable,’ said the former Leicester midfielder.
Uzoho enjoyed a dream come true despite the defeat at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I’m so happy for him, he’s worked hard, he’s had to wait his time, he’s taken his chance brilliantly. I just hope he can kick on now, stay injury free and enjoy his football
‘That performance tonight was probably the best of his career and he may never better it.’
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‘I prayed to God to get an opportunity to play. I got it and I’m happy.’