Floyd Samba’s debut double secures City’s Carabao Cup win

Manchester City’s 17‑year‑old Floyd Samba opened the scoring with a header and finished with a second goal, securing a 4‑1 win over Norwich City in the Carabao Cup. The victory gives City a spot against Brighton and bolsters manager Enzo Maresca’s growing reputation.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:48:20 GMT

In a Carabao Cup round‑of‑32 clash at the Etihad, Manchester City edged Norwich City 4‑1, thanks to a debut double from 17‑year‑old Floyd Samba. The young forward’s goals, one a clever header and the other a precise finish, gave City a comfortable lead and a place in the last 16 against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Debut Goals from a Rising Star

Samba, who grew up in the City academy alongside his older brother Tyrone, made his first senior appearance in a match that felt like a showcase for the club’s future. He opened the scoring early in the first half when a cross from Nico O’Reilly was mishandled by Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw. The ball fell to Allan, who sent it across the box for Samba to tap home with a neat header.

Only minutes later, Samba doubled the advantage. Inside his own half, he laid a quick pass to Ayyoub Bouaddi, who in turn fed Cherki. The Frenchman beat Grimshaw and sent the ball into the net, giving City a 2‑0 cushion.

City’s Tactical Flexibility and Maresca’s Growing Authority

Enzo Maresca, in his sixth consecutive Carabao Cup win, used a fluid 4‑3‑3 formation that allowed Samba to operate at the front of a high‑pressing side. With Rayan Cherki rested for the second half, Ryan McAidoo stepped in to cover the left‑wing position, while Brazilian midfielder Allan moved up to support the attack.

Allan capitalised on a defensive lapse from Norwich’s Sam Field, beating him twice before curling a shot into the far corner. The goal made it 3‑0, a scoreline that left the home side scrambling for a consolation.

Second Half Drama and Samba’s Second Strike

Norwich’s manager Philippe Clement tried to rally his team early in the second half, but City’s relentless pressure kept them at bay. Samba, after a brief run, collected the ball inside the box and finished with a sweet shot into the far right corner, sealing a 4‑1 victory.

McAidoo added the final goal, finishing a quick counter‑attack that saw him cut inside and strike from the edge of the area. The match ended with City’s confidence high and a place in the last 16 against Brighton.

What Happens Next for City?

With the win, Manchester City will face Brighton & Hove Albion in the next round of the Carabao Cup. Manager Enzo Maresca will likely keep his current squad, as the team has shown consistent improvement in each outing. The club’s focus will now shift to balancing league commitments with the cup run.

For the 17‑year‑old Samba, the debut double is a statement that he is ready for senior football. The club’s academy has produced several first‑team regulars, and Samba’s performance suggests he could become a key player in the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, Norwich City will regroup after the defeat, looking to rebuild confidence and address defensive weaknesses that were exposed during the match.

Key facts

Floyd Samba scored twice on debut
Manchester City wins 4-1 over Norwich
Enzo Maresca’s tactical flexibility highlighted
City will face Brighton in last 16
Norwich’s defensive lapses exposed

Why it matters

The win not only propels Manchester City into the next round of the Carabao Cup but also showcases the club’s depth and the emergence of young talent like Floyd Samba. It reinforces Enzo Maresca’s growing reputation as a manager capable of delivering results in cup competitions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Floyd Samba’s background?

He is a 17‑year‑old product of Manchester City’s academy, with an older brother Tyrone also in the youth ranks. Their father, Christopher, was a former defender for Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers.