Kanu gives Portsmouth FA Cup semi-final victory
Redknapp reaches first FA Cup final
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Portsmouth goalkeeper David James says West Brom should not be underestimated when the two sides face off in the FA Cup semi-final. |  |
Saturday, 05, Apr 2008 04:28
A single strike from Kanu helped Portsmouth beat West Brom and reach their first FA Cup final since 1939.
Despite being firm favourites going into the game, Harry Redknapp's men failed to start brightly and their usually-solid defensive pairing of Sylvain Distin and Sol Campbell were given a difficult afternoon by Baggies striker Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland man sent a long-range shot just over David James' goal before setting up Zoltan Gera to cause trouble in the penalty area.
However, the Championship side failed to cap off their bright football with a goal and fell behind within the first ten minutes of the second half.
Glen Johnson ventured forwards and passed to Milan Baros, whose shot was well-saved by Dean Kiley, though Zoltan Gera failed to clear the danger and Kanu was on hand to score from close range against his former club.
Minutes later Pompey wasted an excellent opportunity to double their lead, with Niko Kranjcar making a mess of an incisive pass from Baros.
With nothing to lose, West Brom poured forward in the closing minutes of the game and almost forced a replay as Robert Koren was denied by the crossbar and Ishmael Miller put his chance just wide.
Portsmouth will play the winners of Sunday's game between Barnsley and Cardiff in the May final.