Gambian star Yankuba Minteh seals Brighton win and makes Premier League history

Yankuba Minteh emerged as the match-winner for Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, scoring a decisive second-half goal to secure a 1–0 victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

The Gambian international’s intervention not only earned the Seagulls their first win on Wearside since 1981 but also underscored his growing importance as one of the Premier League’s most productive young talents.

The game’s defining moment arrived in the 58th minute when Minteh, deployed on the left flank in the absence of the injured Kaoru Mitoma, looked to fire a low cross into the box.

The delivery took an unexpected trajectory, slicing toward the near post and catching Sunderland goalkeeper Melker Ellborg off guard.

Despite protests from the home side regarding an injury to Habib Diarra in the buildup, a VAR review confirmed the goal, handing Brighton a lead they would not relinquish.

This match-winning strike marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old winger, representing his first Premier League goal since September 2025. Minteh’s contribution against Sunderland brings his total top-flight goal involvements to 16—comprising eight goals and eight assists—since the start of last season.

This tally is the highest of any player aged 21 or under in the division, highlighting his status as a cornerstone of Fabian Hürzeler’s tactical project.

Throughout the current campaign, Minteh has been a vital outlet for Brighton, particularly during a period where the squad has been stretched by injuries to key creative players.

The victory moves Brighton into 10th place, level on 40 points with Sunderland, and provides much-needed momentum ahead of next weekend’s clash with Liverpool.