In a night of pure FA Cup magic, Wrexham AFC produced a monumental shock by knocking Premier League side Nottingham Forest out of the competition in a breathtaking penalty shootout on Friday 09 January 2026.
Red Dragons Roar into Early Lead
The League One hosts, playing at the Racecourse Ground, defied expectations from the outset. They seized control of the tie with two first-half goals, first from Liverato Cacace and then from Ollie Rathbone. The fervent home crowd dared to dream as their team established a commanding two-goal advantage against their top-flight opponents.
Forest Fightback Forces Extra Time
After the interval, Sean Dyche's tactical changes sparked a response from the Premier League outfit. Igor Jesus pulled a crucial goal back for Forest, only for Wrexham's Dominic Hyam to swiftly restore the two-goal cushion. Just as the tie seemed to be slipping away, Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi took centre stage. His late brace, including a dramatic equaliser, sent the game into an additional thirty minutes, with the score locked at 3-3.
Okonkwo the Hero in Shootout Drama
With no further goals in extra time, the fate of both teams was decided from the penalty spot. The hero of the hour was Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. The shot-stopper produced two magnificent saves during the shootout, with the final denial sparking wild celebrations in North Wales. His heroics ensured the Red Dragons' progression to the FA Cup fourth round, writing another unforgettable chapter in the club's storied history.
This remarkable victory epitomises the magic of the world's oldest domestic cup competition, where dreams are very much alive. Wrexham's players and staff have earned a famous night that will be remembered for years to come.
