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DANGO OUATTARO orchestrated a remarkable comeback for Bournemouth against Fulham, who were hosting the match, keeping the Cherries’ impressive European ambitions alive.
The substitute found the back of the net with an equaliser in the 89th minute, ensuring a valuable point for his significantly depleted team.
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With several injuries and suspensions, manager Andoni Iraola was compelled to name four academy players and two goalkeepers on the bench.
Even with a limited squad, the team’s spirit remained strong as they battled back twice for a well-deserved draw.
This match served as a valuable lesson for Fulham, who have become skilled at clinching points in the closing stages while vying for a place in next season’s Europa League.
Fulham thought they had secured the win when Harry Wilson, known for his late-game prowess, scored with a superb header 18 minutes from time.
This was an early goal by his standards — just last week, Wilson netted an equaliser in the 82nd minute, helping Fulham achieve a historic Premier League victory at Chelsea.
He had also scored twice in stoppage time to secure a victory over Brentford and found the net late against Crystal Palace.
However, it was Bournemouth’s time to steal a late equaliser when substitute Ouattara was positioned to score an easy goal in the 89th minute after a defensive blunder.
Issa Diop’s misjudged clearance allowed Antoine Semenyo to deliver a cross that Ouattara tapped in at the far post.
Both teams can look back on a festive season well-spent as the holiday fixture schedule comes to a close.
Bournemouth celebrated an impressive 3-0 triumph against Manchester United at Old Trafford, while Fulham supporters enjoyed their unexpected success at Chelsea.
However, those earlier feats had clearly taken their toll on both sides.
Jimenez’s accurate header gave Fulham a crucial advantage, enabling them to take the lead.
Prior to his goal, which arrived just five minutes before the half-time whistle, the home team appeared sluggish and risked squandering opportunities against a considerably weakened Bournemouth outfit missing eight players.
Pereira sent a corner into the six-yard box, where Jimenez made a late run to meet the ball in mid-air, expertly guiding it into the bottom corner for a stunning opener.
Bournemouth had a chance to score from a corner taken by rookie defender James Hill, but the goal was disallowed by referee Jones, who ruled a foul despite minimal contact on center-back Calvin Bassey.
Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno displayed his talent, first saving a quick shot from David Brooks and then blocking a counter-attack effort from Semenyo.
While Bournemouth struggled to convert their chances, they were fortunate to maintain 11 players on the field at half-time.
Ryan Christie received only a yellow card after a studs-up challenge on defender Antonee Robinson.
Christie lunged recklessly after losing control of the ball, catching Fulham’s captain on the shin, but VAR referee Peter Bankes opted not to upgrade the punishment beyond a yellow card, even though many felt it should have been a clear red.
With so many forced changes before kick-off, Iraola didn’t need any additional disruptions to his already weakened lineup.
Fortuitously for Iraola, just five minutes into the second half, they equalized through record signing Evanilson.
Hill provided a enticing delivery into the Fulham box, where the £40 million Brazilian skillfully outmaneuvered Joachim Andersen, taking a touch before elegantly volleying past Leno, showcasing the same finesse as Fulham’s opener.
Wilson’s relentless effort culminated in a header from a cross by Robinson in the 72nd minute. Just as Fulham aimed to level their points with defending champions Manchester City, Quattro delivered the final word.
