Carabao Cup: Floyd Samba scores twice on debut as City wins 5-0

At just 17 years old, Floyd Samba netted a brace in his first appearance for Manchester City’s first team, who triumphed 5-0 over Norwich on Thursday, September 17, at the Etihad Stadium in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Positioned at the forefront of the attack, the young player opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a well-placed header from an assist by Allan. He struck again in the 54th minute, curling in a shot with his right foot after a pass from Rayan Aït-Nouri, extending City’s lead to 4-0.

Rayan Cherki had scored the second goal in the 32nd minute, followed by Allan’s goal in the 48th minute. Ryan McAidoo capped off the scoring in stoppage time. With this victory, Manchester City advances to the fourth round, where they will host Brighton.

Enzo Maresca made ten changes to the team that had defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford just days earlier. Samba was one of three players making their first starts for the first team, alongside Gerónimo Rulli and Allan. City was coming off a victory in the Manchester derby.

After the match, Maresca explained that he had only tested Samba in a number 9 role in the days leading up to the game. The Italian coach praised his finishing and several of his decisions with the ball, while emphasizing the need to gradually integrate young players.

The official report from Manchester City noted that Norwich did find the net through Mohamed Toure in the 75th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The match was played in front of 32,451 spectators at the Etihad.

The fourth round against Brighton is scheduled to take place at home during the week of October 26. The exact date and kickoff time are yet to be confirmed.