Sulley Muntari Grabs His First Sunderland Goal

Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari scores his goal against Bolton on Saturday

Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari scored his first goal in England since his return from Italy, helping Sunderland to a vital 2-1 away win over Bolton on Saturday.

The late substitute forced the ball home despite the efforts of Bolton defender Zat Knight to keep it out after Stephane Sessegnon had created the opening.

Muntari’s strike looks sealed their place in the top-flight for next season.

Sunderland had taken the lead in first half stoppage time through skipper Bolo Zenden, who rounded Jussi Jaaskelainen with Bolton appealing in vain for offside.

Substitute Ivan Klasnic had pulled the home side level with a firm header three minutes from time following a superb cross from Rodrigo Moreno, who had also stepped off the bench.

But the drama was far from over as Sessegnon played substitute Muntari in and the midfielder rolled the ball underneath Jaaskelainen to seal the points for his side in added time and secure a vital victory.

It was only Sunderland’s second win in 12 league games and a welcome one at that given their injury problems have decimated the squad.

Muntari joined the Black Cats on loan from Inter Milan in January but has struggled with his fitness because of lack of playing time at Sunderland.

His performance could spark his revival but with few matches remaining, he could have peaked at the wrong time.