Nottingham Forest reach FA Cup semis for first time in 34 years

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-30/Nottingham-Forest-reach-FA-Cup-semis-for-first-time-in-34-years-1C9VE9bSRFu/img/30730363e5a4451fb7a0c0bf49923401/30730363e5a4451fb7a0c0bf49923401.png' alt='Nikola Milenkovic (C) of Nottingham Forest celebrates as team win the FA Cup match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton and Hove, England, March 29, 2025. /VCG'

Nottingham Forest reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years as Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels starred in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over Brighton on Saturday.

After the quarter-final clash at the Amex Stadium finished 0-0 following extra-time, Sels took centre-stage to send Forest to Wembley.

Sels saved spot-kicks from Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez and, although Forest’s Neco Williams blazed over, Ryan Yates held his nerve to stroke home the winner.

Forest also needed shoot-outs to get past third-tier Exeter and top-flight strugglers Ipswich in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively this season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a remarkable season that could culminate in Champions League qualification and a first FA Cup final appearance since 1991.

<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-03-30/Nottingham-Forest-reach-FA-Cup-semis-for-first-time-in-34-years-1C9VE9bSRFu/img/38f7834b2c0a44fca2afcd2b3d4fc697/38f7834b2c0a44fca2afcd2b3d4fc697.jpeg' alt='Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels saves a penalty during the FA Cup match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton and Hove, England, March 29, 2025. /VCG'

“It was such a stressful moment. Matz saved us again. He’s been doing really well. It’s the third time and we’ve always been successful. Credit to him,” Nuno said.

“We are so happy. It’s a huge moment for all of us to share with our fans. We have to focus on the Premier League but it’s going to be a beautiful moment for all of us on our journey.”

Brian Clough’s men were the last Forest team to make the FA Cup semi-finals, beating West Ham before losing the final to Tottenham. Forest join Crystal Palace in the last four after the Eagles won 3-0 at Fulham in Saturday’s other quarter-final.

On Sunday, Manchester City travel to Bournemouth and Aston Villa visit Championship side Preston, the last club from outside the top tier in this season’s tournament.