Kamaldeen Sulemana Makes Instant Impact With Match Winning Assist in EFL Cup

• Black Stars forward Kamaldeen Sulemana stepped up his recovery with another cameo display for Southampton
• The Ghana international played a pivotal role despite coming on late as Southampton beat Stoke City
• The former Stade Rennais forward is expected to start Southampton's next game against Everton in the EPL

Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana proved decisive for Southampton as the Saints advanced to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup with a last-gasp win over Stoke City.

The Black Stars forward, who recently made an injury comeback, climbed off the bench in the 81st minute to deliver the match-winning assist in the Cup competition.

Sulemana has played cameo roles in the last three games since his return as he builds on his comeback by getting more game time.

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Meanwhile, in a thrilling encounter at Saint Mary's on Monday night, the 22-year-old made the difference after finding James Bree for the winner in the 88th minute, as reported by the BBC.

The Saints had started the game on a bright note after Taylor Harwood-Bellis opened the scoring just 19 minutes into the game. Adam Armstrong doubled the advantage in the 35th minute but the visitors pulled one back through Ashley Phillips at the stroke of half time.

Tom Cannon levelled nine minutes after the break to set up an exciting finale.

Sulemana close to first start

Following the Ghanaian winger's display in the last three matches, manager Russel Martins is set to hand him a starting role in the upcoming matches.

Yen.com.gh spoke to sports pundit, Malvin Osei Owusu on Sulemana's situation at the Saint Mary's. According to Osei Owusu, the winger has shone what he can do and this gets him close to make his first start.

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"I saw the last two games and he looked like a player who desperately needs a second chance. Injuries have marred his time at Southampton so far but his quality has never been in doubt and against Stoke we saw just a fraction of how good he can be on a good day. This should offer Southampton hope and for the player he keeps getting close to a start," he said.

Lopetegui cautions Kudus after red card

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui hopes Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus learns from his three-game ban following his red card against Tottenham Hotspurs.

The Ghana international missed the first of his three-match suspension in the Hammers' 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, a game which cost his former manager Erik ten Hag his job.

Kudus was charged for allegedly acting in an improper manner and/or using violent conduct after the offence he was sent off for by the English FA following his spat with Spurs players Micky Van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr.

Source: YEN.com.gh