Birmingham City secured a place in the FA Cup fourth round after a nervy 3-2 victory over Cambridge United at The Abbey Stadium on Saturday. The match will be remembered for Kyogo Furuhashi ending his five-month goal drought to help his side to a crucial away win.
Furuhashi Finds the Net in First-Half Flurry
The Championship side took control of the tie with two first-half goals. After a scrappy opening half-hour where Cambridge's physical approach stifled flow, the deadlock was broken. Kai Wagner powered home his first goal for the club from the edge of the area after Kyogo's initial shot was blocked.
The Japanese striker then took centre stage just before the interval. Kyogo robbed defender Zeno Ibsen Rossi on the halfway line, drove towards goal, and finished clinically into the corner. The strike on 10 January 2026 was his first since August, providing a huge relief for the forward.
Late Scare as Cambridge Mount Dramatic Comeback
Birmingham appeared to have sealed the tie late in the second half when Marvin Ducksch swept home a first-time finish for his sixth goal of the season, capitalising on a Cambridge error at the back.
However, the League One hosts refused to surrender. Substitute Sullay Kaikai scored a quickfire late brace in the closing stages, setting up a tense finale with five minutes of stoppage time. Blues goalkeeper James Beadle, who had been largely untested, was beaten twice but his team managed to hold on for their first away victory since October.
Player Ratings: Wagner Impresses, Kyogo the Star
James Beadle (6) – Largely untroubled until the late flurry, with Cambridge's Ben Knight wasting two big chances.
Tomoki Iwata (7) – A tireless display, effectively nullifying the threat of Cambridge's James Brophy.
Kai Wagner (7) – Followed up an assist on his debut with a well-taken goal, making an excellent early impression.
Tommy Doyle (8) – The midfield metronome who got Blues playing after a messy start. Tidy and progressive in possession.
Marvin Ducksch (6.5) – Took his goal well but was otherwise quiet for large periods of the game.
Lewis Koumas (7) – Full of energy and endeavour following his goal against Coventry City last weekend.
Kyogo Furuhashi (8) – The match-winner and man of the moment. Ended his long wait for a goal with a superb solo effort and hit the post after half-time. His performance was the decisive factor.
The win provides a significant boost for Birmingham City as they progress in the FA Cup, with the focus now returning to their Championship campaign. For Kyogo Furuhashi, the hope will be that this goal marks a turning point in his season.
