The completely crazy end of the match between Aston Villa and Sunderland (4-3), Sunday afternoon, “involved” two finalists of the last African Cup of Nations Morocco-Senegal (0-1 after, then 3-0 on the green carpet). The Villans led by Unai Emery led 3-1 at the start of the second half thanks to Ollie Watkins (2nd and 36th) and Morgan Rogers (46th), but the Black Cats scored two goals in 58 seconds as added time approached through Trai Hume (86th) and Wilson Isidor (87th)!
The team coached by RĂ©gis Le Bris even had a huge opportunity to win in added time (93rd). Habib Diarra appeared alone in front of Emiliano Martinez and then poked his ball with his right foot against the Argentinian goalkeeper, who managed to touch the leather! However, the former captain of Strasbourg could have shifted Chemsdine Talbi, all alone to his right, for an easy goal.
In the next action, it was Aston Villa who scored the winning goal, a cross from Lucas Digne being taken over by Tammy Abraham (93rd). The British media pointed out the huge opportunity missed by Habib Diarra and the Moroccan accounts on X did not fail to accuse the Senegalese international of having forgotten his Moroccan teammate. Both players participated in CAN 2025: Diarra was suspended for the final and the Belgian-born attacking midfielder only came on during the Atlas Lions’ third group match.
Apologies from the Senegalese community
After the match, Régis Le Bris felt that his Senegalese player had perhaps not taken “the best decision”also highlighting the inspiration of “Dibu” Martinez on this occasion. “Habib apologized (in the locker room, editor’s note)he knows it was a key moment in this match”said the former FC Lorient coach to local media after the game.
Villa is hanging on in the race for the Champions League by being 4th in the ranking tied with 3rd Manchester United, 6th Chelsea being 10 lengths behind (the first five are qualified for the C1). Sunderland are missing an opportunity to join the race for 6th qualifying place for the Conference League. The promoted side are 11th but with two points less than Chelsea.
