Senegal international Habib Diarra scored the decisive goal as Sunderland defeated FC Augsburg 1-0 in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon.
Diarra found the net in the 14th minute, converting a well-timed assist from summer signing Simon Adingra. The goal secured a much-needed win for the Black Cats, who had endured four consecutive losses in their recent warm-up fixtures.
Sunderland came into the match under pressure following defeats to Sporting Lisbon, Hearts of Midlothian, Hull City, and Real Betis. The victory against Bundesliga side Augsburg marked a welcome return to winning ways for head coach Régis Le Bris and his squad.
Diarra’s early strike was the result of a fluid attacking move, initiated by Adingra down the flank. The new signing cut inside and slid a pinpoint pass into Diarra’s path, allowing the midfielder to calmly slot the ball past the goalkeeper and give Sunderland a deserved lead.
The Black Cats showed greater control and discipline throughout the contest, keeping Augsburg at bay with a compact and well-organised defensive display. Although the German side applied pressure in the second half, Sunderland’s back line remained composed and rarely looked in danger of conceding.
The performance will offer encouragement for Le Bris as the team prepares for their Premier League return. With just one week remaining before they open the season at home against West Ham, the win signals progress in terms of tactical cohesion and confidence.
Simon Adingra’s involvement in the goal added to his promising start in red and white, while Diarra’s all-around midfield display highlighted his growing importance to the side.
The Senegalese international was instrumental both in breaking up play and contributing in attack, showing composure and intelligence throughout the match.
Although the result does not erase the concerns raised by earlier defeats, it provides a much-needed lift ahead of the final pre-season test. Sunderland will host Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, their last friendly before competitive action resumes.
As preparations near completion, Le Bris will be hoping his side can carry the same level of intensity and organisation into their Premier League campaign.
The partnership between Diarra and Adingra offers a glimpse of the potential within the squad—both players combining effectively and showing signs of chemistry that could prove valuable in the coming weeks.
With one fixture left to fine-tune tactics and personnel, Sunderland’s coaching staff will be keen to use the Vallecano match as a final opportunity to polish the details.
However, the victory over Augsburg—secured by a moment of quality from their Senegalese midfielder—will be a reassuring step forward at a crucial stage of pre-season.
A well-worked team move finished off by Habib Diarra! 🎯👏 pic.twitter.com/lqyb0g71YN
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 9, 2025
