Football: Kaoru Mitoma wonder goal sends Brighton past Liverpool ...

30 Jan 2023

Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma scored a spectacular late winner as Brighton knocked holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory on Sunday.

Mitoma sealed the fourth-round tie two minutes into stoppage time at Amex Stadium when he turned a defender inside out with a fake shot, keeping the ball in the air before steering high past Liverpool keeper Alisson from close range.

Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma (22) scores the winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round on Jan. 29, 2023, at Amex Stadium in Brighton, England. (Getty/Kyodo)

"I knew the defender would jump with a fake shot. I'm happy to have kept my composure to score," said Mitoma, who has four goals from the past six games in all competitions.

"I can earn even more trust from my teammates when wins come our way and I think it's a good cycle."

Harvey Elliott slotted home the 30th-minute opener for Liverpool before Lewis Dunk diverted in Tariq Lamptey's long-range effort nine minutes later for the hosts. Mitoma gave another dazzling performance on the left wing before hitting the memorable winner.

"I think it's (my) best moment so far because (it was) at the end of the game...and we won because of this goal. So I'm very happy," said Mitoma.

"Now we have the confidence to play against every opponent, we prepared well and we played well tactically. (But) we have to stay humble."

Fellow Japan winger Yuki Soma scored his first goal for Casa Pia and set up another as they won 2-1 at home against Santa Clara in Portugal's top flight.

Soma curled in a 75th-minute free kick to give his new club the lead. Gabriel Silva's penalty had the visitors level seven minutes later but Clayton headed home Soma's corner deep into stoppage time for the win.

In Belgium, Japan forward Ayase Ueda headed the 58th-minute opener, bringing his season tally to nine league goals, as Cercle Brugge secured a late 3-2 win over visiting Gent.

Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma (R) celebrates after scoring the winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round on Jan. 29, 2023, at Amex Stadium in Brighton, England. (Kyodo)

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