Sunderland Takes Narrow Lead Over Coventry in Championship Play-Offs

Coventry, England — Sunderland secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Coventry City in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Tuesday, giving them a slight edge heading into the second leg.

Eliezer Mayenda scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute after Coventry’s Milan van Ewijk made a costly back pass. This win marks Sunderland’s first victory in eight games.

Despite Coventry dominating possession with nearly 75% and producing 14 shots on goal, they found themselves trailing when Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor opened the scoring early in the match, followed swiftly by Coventry’s Jack Rudoni leveling the match just 110 seconds later.

Manager Frank Lampard praised his team’s performance despite the loss, stating, “We controlled a lot of it. It’s hard and I can’t blame the players really.” He emphasized the need to press forward in the second leg on Tuesday.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris expressed cautious optimism, noting, “It’s just half-time. We’ll have another tough game at home, so it’s not done.”

The defeat raises questions for Coventry as they attempt to rebound at the Stadium of Light next week, needing to overcome a one-goal deficit to advance to the finals.

The winners of this semi-final will face either Sheffield United or Bristol City at Wembley on May 24.