Sunderland Under-21s faced a narrow defeat in the National League Cup, losing 5-4 on penalties to Gateshead after a 2-2 draw at full time. Despite the result, the young Black Cats secured a point in Group C. Gateshead claimed two points by prevailing in the shootout.
The match saw contributions from first-team squad players, including Milan Aleksic, Adil Aouchiche, Abdoullah Ba, and Nazariy Rusyn, while Trey Ogunsuyi led the line. Harrison Jones captained the team, with Blondy Nna Noukeu guarding the net.
Sunderland began brightly, with Aouchiche testing Gateshead goalkeeper Owen Mason early on. The visitors created chances, with Ogunsuyi firing wide midway through the first half, but they failed to capitalise.After the break, Gateshead seized the initiative. Luke Hannant broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, slotting home from close range. Minutes later, Jovan Malcom doubled their advantage, finding space to beat Nna Noukeu.However, Sunderland staged a late comeback.
Aleksic’s strike from the edge of the box forced a save, and Aouchiche pounced on the rebound to halve the deficit. Moments later, Ogunsuyi capitalised on a defensive lapse, sliding the ball past Mason to level the score and send the game to penalties.In the shootout, Sunderland’s Harrison Jones, Aouchiche, Jewison Bennette, and Aleksic all converted their efforts, but Ba’s penalty was saved. Gateshead, clinical from the spot, converted all five of their penalties to claim the extra point.
Sunderland Under-21s will next be in action on Monday, December 16, when they face Arsenal in Premier League 2.Sunderland U21s: Nna Noukeu, Jenson Jones (Lavery 60), Bell, Johnson, Bennette, H. Jones, Aleksic, Aouchiche, Rusyn, Ba, Ogunsuyi.Subs not used: Chibueze, Lenz, Jaydon Jones, Middlemas, Walsh, Tutieriov.