Ghanaian duo of Jordan Ayew and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku played crucial roles as Leicester City narrowly advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout win over League Two side Walsall.

Despite a valiant effort from the underdogs, Leicester emerged victorious, thanks to a series of crucial saves from goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Walsall, unbeaten at home this season, created the better chances during regular time, with Charlie Lakin and veteran Ghanaian winger Albert Adomah missing key opportunities to put their side ahead.

Ward, however, kept Leicester in the game with a stunning first-half save to deny Lakin from close range.

Leicester manager Steve Cooper made 10 changes to his starting lineup, resting key players like Jamie Vardy, Stephy Mavididi, Harry Winks, and Wilfred Ndidi.

The reshuffled Foxes struggled to find rhythm, and it was only in the second half that Fatawu Issahaku sparked some life into their attack.

The young Ghanaian winger dazzled with his dribbling skills, creating two promising chances, though he failed to convert them.

He also delivered a dangerous cross that led to Facundo Buonanotte's header, forcing Walsall goalkeeper Tommy Simkin into his only meaningful save of the match.

Walsall had a golden chance to take the lead after the break when Fatawu's misplaced pass allowed Nathan Lowe to set up Adomah, but the former Black Stars winger missed the target with his shot.

As the game ended goalless after 90 minutes, Walsall, who had already won two shootouts this season, hoped for a repeat in the penalties.

However, Danny Ward had other ideas. The Leicester goalkeeper denied all three of Walsall's penalty attempts, thwarting Taylor Allen, David Okagbue, and Liam Gordon. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pereira, Conor Coady, and Oliver Skipp calmly converted their penalties, sealing Leicester's spot in the next round.

Jordan Ayew, introduced after the hour mark, added composure and experience to Leicester’s attack, playing a key role in helping the Foxes see out the match and ultimately secure the win.

The result sends Leicester City, three-time League Cup winners, through to the fourth round, but not without a scare from their lower-league opponents.