Hull City’s newest Premier League recruits kept their momentum rolling after a 2-0 triumph over Manchester United on Saturday, this time edging past Stoke City in the Carabao Cup via a penalty shoot‑out following a 1‑1 stalemate at the bet365 Stadium. The opening goal came from Robert Bozenik, who found the net for the hosts early in the first half. Stoke responded just before the interval when Kieran Dowell struck level, ensuring the match headed into extra time tied at one apiece.
Neither side could break the deadlock in the remaining minutes, so the tie was settled from the spot. Hull emerged victorious 5‑4 on penalties, sending the Tigers into the next round for the first time in six years. Sergej Jakirovic, the Hull manager, made a staggering eleven changes to the lineup that had stunned United a few days earlier.
He handed full debuts to Lucas Herrington and Matt Targett, and also introduced midfield pair Jens Hjerto‑Dahl and Lucas Gourna‑Douath. The fresh faces gave Hull a bright start, with Hjerto‑Dahl particularly standing out; he opened his body and curled a shot toward the far post that was narrowly pushed wide by Stoke goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.
Stoke’s early dominance was evident when Paddy McNair headed Liam Millar’s corner wide at the back post, allowing the visitors to enjoy the better of the opening exchanges. After a difficult start to their Championship campaign – losing their first two league fixtures, including a 2‑1 defeat to Swansea on opening day – Stoke’s manager Mark Robins also made seven alterations, starting Bozenik, Luke Graham, Ben Pearson, Tomas Rigo, Million Manhoef and Laurence Giani. Stoke had reportedly turned down a bid from Hull for their star winger Sorba Thomas.
It was the Wales international who created the opening chance, cutting in from the left and delivering a low cross that Bozenik met with a header. The Slovakian’s finish proved decisive, as he brushed past McNair to give Stoke the lead.
Griffiths, who was given the nod in goal while Viktor Johansson rested, saved Dowell’s first long‑range effort as the half‑hour mark approached. However, Dowell was not to be denied a second time; he latched onto a pass from Millar and smashed the ball home, restoring parity for Hull.
After the break, David Akintola made his first appearance for Hull since January and generated two golden chances that could have put the Tigers ahead. First, he steered Targett’s cross wide of the right‑hand post, then rounded Griffiths and struck the side‑netting after a pass from Millar. His second opportunity was comfortably saved by the Stoke keeper.
With the score still level after ninety minutes, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shoot‑out. New Stoke signing George Hirst saw his spot‑kick saved by Hull’s keeper Dillon Phillips, while Hull converted all five of their penalties, with Mohamed Belloumi’s successful spot‑kick sealing the win and advancing Hull to the third round. Post‑match, Hull midfielder reflected on the performance: “I thought we played well.
There weren’t many clear‑cut chances, just a couple of mistakes on each side. Our movement in the box was excellent and the cross that found Bozenik was perfect. I want us to grow in confidence and start dictating games.
We were the better side overall, even though we gave away a goal that was typical of our defensive lapses.” He continued, “Losing on penalties isn’t a disgrace; the shoot‑out was mostly good apart from the one miss, which is never ideal. We need to take away the positives – solid performances, good minutes for the lads, and the fact we came through unscathed.” Hull’s manager Sergej Jakirovic added his thoughts: “We’ve now broken another record – two penalty shoot‑outs in a row! This match gave a chance for other players to feature after the United game.
There was a lot of excitement, some stress, and a few issues with certain players, so I’ll use this competition to rotate the squad because you never know when you’ll need them. “We used this game for Hidemasa Morita, Lucas Gourna‑Douath, Jens Hjerto‑Dahl, Abdulkadir Omur, David Akintola, and Cody Drameh.
For young Lucas Herrington it was great for adapting to English football – the intensity, the dynamism, everything we need for the future. “Akintola could have had a hat‑trick; he showed a lot of effort and energy, pressed well with Dowell, and just missed a goal or two.” The victory not only extended Hull’s cup run but also highlighted the depth of their squad and the willingness of the manager to trust emerging talent in high‑pressure situations. As the Tigers look ahead to the next round, they will aim to build on this resilience, continue rotating their roster, and perhaps finally secure a deeper run in the Carabao Cup, a competition that could provide a springboard for their Premier League ambitions.
For fans, the match offered a blend of drama – a tight contest, a dramatic penalty shoot‑out, and a showcase of young players stepping up when called upon. The narrative of a newly promoted side battling established Championship opposition, overcoming a stubborn opponent, and doing so through composure from the spot, adds another chapter to Hull City’s evolving story in English football.