Portsmouth won their first FA Cup in 69 years thanks to Nwankwo Kanu's first-half goal in a 1-0 win over Cardiff City from the Championship on Saturday.

Kanu scored in the 37th minute before a vocal crowd of 89,874 at London's Wembley Stadium in the first final not to feature one of the current English "big four" teams since 1991.

Underdogs Cardiff played with spirit but rarely posed a serious threat although Glenn Loovens had a goal ruled out for handball in first-half injury time.

The victory also secured Portsmouth a place in next season's UEFA Cup, their first European tour.

"It's a dream come true to come and win the FA Cup. It has been a good day," said Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp.

It was also a personal triumph for the 61-year-old as he claimed his first major trophy in a management and coaching career stretching back 25 years.

"Cardiff put us under a lot of pressure and we had to deal with difficult situations. My defence was fantastic," he said.

"They did really well, especially on set-pieces. For me the biggest feeling is one of relief. There are no easy games any more."

The final was given a magnificent backdrop by both clubs' noisy and colorful fans who clearly wanted to make the most of their moment in the limelight.

Cardiff, trying to become the first team from outside the top flight to win the Cup since West Ham United beat Arsenal in 1980, was the first to threaten when Joe Ledley played in Paul Parry in the 12th minute, but Portsmouth keeper David James made a crucial block to deny Cardiff the lead.

Kanu should have put Portsmouth ahead after 22 minutes as he outpaced central defender Roger Johnson, danced around keeper Peter Enckelman only to send his effort against the outside of the post from an angle.

But he made it up eight minutes before halftime. Enckelman couldn't handle a cross from John Utaka and pushed the ball right to Kanu, who easily tapped it into the goal from about two yards out.

The Premier League side took command after the break and were never seriously troubled in the second period with Pompey's central defenders Sol Campbell and Sylvain Distin standing firm to snuff out any threat.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones rued the goalkeeping mistake that allowed Portsmouth to beat them in the FA Cup final but praised all his players.

"It was a mistake that cost us but we gave it everything we had and that's all I asked for," Jones told the BBC.

"We've done everyone proud... it doesn't make me feel any better but I'm very proud of my players and staff."

Source: Xinhua