Rashford fires Villa info FA Cup semis, Manchester City down Bournemouth

Sports · Dennis Masinde · March 31, 2025
Rashford fires Villa info FA Cup semis, Manchester City down Bournemouth
The FA Cup title. PHOTO/The Independent

On loan Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was on target twice as Aston Villa qualified for the semi-finals of the FA CUP with an impressive 3-0 win over Preston on Sunday.

They are joined in the last four by Manchester City, who came back from a goal down to beat Bournemouth 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.

Evanilson gave the home side the lead in the 21st minute, to shock a City side that was bidding to make it to its seventh FA CUP semi in a row. It was 1-0 at half time.

Rashford struck twice in the second half for Villa at Preston's Deepdale ground to end Preston's stubborn resistance after a goalless first half that had seen the home side fight for every available ball.

Jacob Ramsey wrapped up the win late on, to send Villa to their first Cup Semi in 10 years.

Rashford, despite being impressive since arriving at Villa Park in January, had not scored for his new side and he took his chances on 57 and 63 minutes to see Villa 2-0 up.

Ramsey added a third on 71 minutes to seal Villa's place at the semis.

City manager Pep Guardiola had earlier on asked his players to salvage a disappointing season with an FA CUP trophy.

After ending up behind at half time, they bounced back in the second half through Erling Haaland on 49 minutes and January signing Omar Marmoush who has been excellent for City.

Villa join City, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest who qualified after winning their quarter final matches on Saturday.

Palace beat Fulham 3-0 while Forest saw off Brighton on Penalties.

FA CUP Semifinals

Nottingham Forest V Manchester City

Crystal Palace V Aston Villa

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