Ahead of Crystal Palace Under-18s’ Premier League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur F.C. on Wednesday 4th March (12:00 GMT) at Hotspur Way, midfielder Chuks Okoli reflected on a challenging cup run, the test Spurs will pose, and the excitement of being one step from a final.
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Wednesday (4th March), with coverage beginning at 11:45 GMT ahead of a 12:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.
It was crazy
—Chuks Okoli
Drawn in Group D of the U18 Premier League Cup alongside Premier League North leaders Manchester City, Premier League South leaders Chelsea and Category Two high-flyers Sheffield United, Palace knew only top spot would be enough to progress.
The campaign began in dramatic fashion with a 3-3 draw against Manchester City. Palace raced into a 3-0 half-time lead before City – who had started their league season strongly and knocked the young Eagles out of last season’s FA Youth Cup – mounted a comeback.
“It was crazy,” Okoli said. “3-0 up to 3-3. But it was very exciting – the way they attacked us, the way we went 3-0 up in the first half. That was an incredible experience for us.”
With all four sides level on one point, October’s trip to Sheffield United became pivotal. In difficult Storm Amy conditions, Palace secured a composed 3-1 away victory. Okoli admitted it was tougher than anticipated.
“The environment felt set up for you to lose,” he explained. “The pitch is very small, the walk from the changing room to the pitch is long, and the way they play makes it difficult. But we still got the job done – and I was lucky enough to get a goal.”
That set up a decisive final group clash with Chelsea. Level on points with Manchester City but ahead on goal difference, the equation was simple: match or better City’s result to top the group.
Palace delivered emphatically. Goals from Angibeaud, Bernard-Ferguson, Oduro and Donte Martin sealed a 4-0 win.
“We went out there with a mission to win and I think we did pretty well,” Okoli said. “Everyone capitalised on their chances – I even got an assist in that game.”
Knockout action is do or die
—Chuks Okoli
Progression brought a different challenge. A rotated side navigated a tricky away tie at Peterborough, where Donte Martin’s quick-fire brace proved decisive.
“We had a few players out, some rotation, but we capitalised on the opportunity,” Okoli reflected. “It’s been a good journey to get to this point and hopefully we can push on to do more.” For Okoli, knockout football brings a different edge.
“League games can sometimes feel flat – week in, week out,” he said. “But knockout action is do or die. The hype is higher, especially when you’re playing teams from the North that we don’t usually face. The build-up, the training, the minutes before the game – everyone’s more pumped.”
We will create chances
—Chuks Okoli
Standing between Palace and the final are Tottenham. The sides recently played out a 1-1 draw in a U18 Premier League South title showdown at the Academy – a result that left Okoli frustrated.
“I think we dominated, especially in the first half,” he said. “They tried to play out and we were all over them. Our goal came from their mistake, and even the one they scored was us switching off for a second.
“As long as we do that again and capitalise on the chances we create – because we will create chances, especially in the first 30 or 40 minutes – we’ll be in a strong position. If we can go two, three, four up, then we can control the game.”
I wouldn’t say it’s pressure – it’s excitement
—Chuks Okoli
With a place in the final within touching distance, Okoli insists the squad are embracing the moment.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure – it’s excitement,” he said. “It’s not the FA Cup or the Premier League, but it’s still a trophy we can work towards.
“Having that opportunity to lift it gives us that extra push – to really focus on getting to the final and bringing that trophy back to South London.”
The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Wednesday (4th March), with coverage beginning at 11:45 GMT ahead of a 12:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.
Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.
Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.
Tottenham Hotspur U18s v Crystal Palace U18s