AFC Wimbledon Upsets Ipswich Town on Penalties to Advance in Carabao Cup

AFC Wimbledon pulled off a major upset in the Carabao Cup by defeating Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town on penalties, securing their place in the third round.

The match, held at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane, ended 2-2 after extra time, with the Dons winning the shootout 4-2. Ipswich’s Jack Taylor and Omari Hutchinson missed their penalty attempts, while Owen Goodman made crucial saves to ensure Wimbledon’s progression.

Ipswich, who had already faced defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City in their Premier League return, began the game strongly. Ali Al-Hamadi put them ahead in the third minute with a header from Conor Townsend’s corner. However, Wimbledon equalized before the break when Omar Bugiel headed in Jake Reeves' free-kick.

In the second half, Matty Stevens put Wimbledon ahead with a powerful header. Ipswich managed to force extra time as Conor Chaplin headed in a late equalizer with just four minutes remaining.

Despite fielding a number of debutants, including Chiedozie Ogbene, who had joined hours earlier from Luton, and Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips, Ipswich struggled to build on their momentum. The Tractor Boys dominated possession but failed to capitalize on their chances. A controversial offside decision had denied Wimbledon’s Bugiel a first-half lead, but the hosts remained clinical.

Ipswich's improved performance in the latter stages saw Huseyin Biler make a vital challenge to deny Al-Hamadi, and substitute Massimo Luongo's effort narrowly missed. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna made several changes, including bringing on players who had featured against Manchester City, but they could not turn the game in their favor.

Isaac Ogundere scored the winning penalty for Wimbledon, sending the fourth-tier side into the next round of the competition. The victory marks a significant achievement for Wimbledon, while Ipswich’s cup disappointment adds to their challenging start to the Premier League season.