LONDON (AP) - Southampton rallied after the break to defeat third-tier Wigan Athletic 2-0 and reach the FA Cup semifinals in Mark Hughes’ first match in charge on Sunday.
Hughes, who took over as coach from the fired Mauricio Pellegrino on Wednesday, watched as his side was largely outplayed by the home team in the first half. Wigan knocked Manchester City out in the previous round and was looking to beat its fourth Premier League side.
But the visitors improved in the second half and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg made the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when he converted a corner at the near post. The Danish midfielder had just forced a good save from Wigan goalkeeper Christian Walton from the previous corner, and Walton had prevented Manolo Gabbiadini from opening the scoring minutes earlier.
Gabbiadini had the chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot with just under 20 minutes remaining, but Walton saved his spot kick.
Portuguese right back Cedric finally sealed the win on a counterattack in injury time.
Chelsea was visiting Leicester for Sunday’s other quarterfinal later.
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