AFCON 2025
Erling Haaland returned from international duty with a bang as the Norwegian forward bagged a hat trick to help Manchester City set its sights on a domestic double.
Meeting for the third time this season, Manchester City hosted Liverpool at tea break kick-off for a place in the FA Cup last four.
Arne Slot’s men were seeking revenge having lost the previous two meetings in the league this season.
However, the Reds were torn apart courtesy of Haaland’s hat trick and a goal from Antoine Semenyo as the match ended in a four-nil drubbing at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Halaand scored the opener in the 39th minute from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk brought down Nico O’Reilly in the box.
The Norwegian striker doubled the lead with a fine header from Semenyo’s cross into the box in the second minute of added time to give the host a 2-0 lead at the break.
Five minutes into the second half, Ghanaian winger, Antoine Semenyo caught Giorgi Mamardashvili off his line to increase the lead.
Five minutes later, Haaland sealed his hat trick before the hour mark with a fine finish off the woodwork.
Mohammed Salah missed the penalty spot in the 63rd minute after Matheus Nunes challenge in the box.
The Egyptian forward, who recently announced his departure from the club at the end of the season failed to find the back of the net against City in three consecutive attempts.
Manchester City will now take on the winner between Westham and Leeds United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
