FA Cup
2:00 p.mFebruary 15, 2026
Round of 32
Kassam Stadium
Referee: Thomas Kirk, England
Oxford United
Sunderland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
251 (75%)
Accurate passes
320 (83%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
21
G
Matt Ingram
7.9
26
d
Jack Currie
6.3
3
d
Ciaron Brown
7.2
37
d
Christ Makosso
6.7
15
d
Brodie Spencer
6.2
m
Cameron Brannagan (C)
62′ Stumbledm
Will Vaulks
40′ Unsportsmanlike conduct
32
m
Jin-woo Jeon
6.2
33
m
Jamie Donley
5.9
17
m
Stanley Mills
6.2
27
F
Will Lankshear
6.0
No ranking data available for this league
Sunderland edged past Oxford United with a 1-0 win in a tense FA Cup clash courtesy of Habib Diarra’s first-half penalty.
Sunderland secured a 1-0 win over Oxford United in a hotly contested FA Cup clash at the Kassam Stadium. Habib Diarra’s penalty in the first half was the decisive moment for the visitors.
For Oxford United, this FA Cup tie represented a huge opportunity to upset top league opposition and ignite a memorable cup run. Sunderland, with the aim of progressing in the prestigious competition, arrived determined to avoid a possible slaughter of giants. The atmosphere promised a classic drinking session.
The early exchanges were cautious, with both sides testing the other’s defenses. Oxford United showed early intent, pushing forward with energy. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organised Sunderland side.
Sunderland gradually asserted control, particularly in midfield, increasing the pressure on the home side. Their attacking efforts began to yield opportunities, keeping Oxford’s defense on their toes.
The breakthrough came in the 32nd minute when Sunderland were awarded a penalty. Habib Diarra stepped up with confidence and slotted the ball past Matt Ingram, giving the Black Cats a crucial lead.
Immediately after the goal, the game intensified. A flurry of yellow cards followed, with Enzo Le Fée and Trai Hume booked for Sunderland. Oxford’s Will Vaulks also saw yellow for unsportsmanlike conduct before the break.
At half-time, Oxford United faced a difficult task, needing to find an equalizer and inject more attacking threat into their game. Sunderland, meanwhile, sought to consolidate their lead and control the second half.
The second half began with Oxford pushing harder to equalise, creating more pressing attacks. However, Sunderland’s defense stood firm, thwarting his efforts effectively.
The technicians turned to their benches around the 64th minute to give a new impetus. Sunderland brought in Nectarios Sadiki and Eliezer Mayenda. Oxford responded quickly, introducing Jayden McDonnell and Aaron Emakhu, among others, a minute later.
Despite Oxford’s increased urgency, clear scoring opportunities remained few and far between. Sunderland absorbed the pressure well, often looking dangerous on the counter. Oxford’s Matt Ingram made 8 crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
The match remained a physical affair throughout. More yellow cards were issued, including to Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien and Oxford’s Mark Bloomfield. Sunderland managed the game expertly to preserve their slender lead until the final whistle.
Sunderland dominated the stats, registering a total of 17 shots with 9 on target compared to Oxford’s 11 shots and just 3 on target. They also had 53% possession, reflecting their control, although both sides registered few expected goals (xG).
This hard-fought victory sends Sunderland through to the next round of the FA Cup, keeping their cup dreams alive. Oxford United fought valiantly but eventually crashed out of the competition at the Kassam Stadium.
