EFL Championship: Asante-Thomas and Coventry fall in promotion play-offs

Coventry City FC/Facebook

In a dramatic EFL Championship play-off semi-final clash, Sunderland secured their place in the play-off final after a heart-stopping 1-1 draw against Coventry City in the second leg –progressing 3-2 on aggregate.

Coventry, needing to overturn a 2-1 first-leg defeat, started with purpose and managed to level the tie with a goal that made it 1-0 on the night. That result would have been enough to force penalties, and as the clock ticked deep into extra time, that seemed inevitable.

Ghana national team forward Brandon Thomas-Asante was brought on in the 110th minute as Coventry chased a late winner, but their dreams were shattered in cruel fashion. Ghana midfielder Salis Abdul Samed, on loan at Sunderland from French Ligue 1 side RC Lens, remained on the bench.

In the second minute of stoppage time in the second half of extra time, Sunderland’s Daniel Ballard headed in a dramatic equalizer, sending the Black Cats through to the final. Sunderland will now look ahead to a showdown at Wembley against Sheffield United, with Premier League promotion just one step away in what promises to be a very important final.

Thomas-Asante ends his season with six goals and three assists from 43 appearances across all competitions. Abdul Samed has endured a difficult 2024-25 season with many injuries, managing just 11 appearances in a campaign filled with injuries and underwhelming form.