Oxford Utd vs Sunderland: Diarra penalty sends Black Cats into FA Cup fifth round
Sunderland edged past Championship side Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium, advancing to the FA Cup fifth round courtesy of Habib Diarra’s first-half penalty. The narrow 1-0 win was a workmanlike performance from the visitors, while Oxford earned plaudits for a spirited display and the heroics of stand-in goalkeeper Matt Ingram.
Diarra’s spot-kick decides tight tie
The decisive moment arrived just after the half-hour mark when referee Thomas Kirk pointed to the spot following a challenge on Dennis Cirkin in the box. Habib Diarra stepped up and tucked away the penalty to put Sunderland ahead. It was a composed finish under pressure and ultimately proved the difference in a game that featured more grit than flair.
Régis Le Bris made several changes to his starting XI after a recent home defeat, balancing rotation with the need to progress in the cup. Sunderland controlled enough of the match to claim the result without being pushed into frantic defending, even if chances to extend the lead went begging in the second half. The visitors’ approach was measured: maintain structure, limit openings for Oxford and exploit set-piece or transition moments when they arrived.
Oxford fightback and Ingram’s standout performance
Oxford fielded a largely changed side and, despite their struggles in the Championship, showed plenty of competitive spirit. New signings made lively contributions early on, with Jinwoo Jeon particularly active and Jamie Donley — on loan — threatening with a powerful effort that forced Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs into a punch to safety.
The hosts were denied an equaliser by an impressive run of saves from Matt Ingram, who was handed a rare start in goal. Ingram produced several stops after the break to keep Oxford in the contest, denying Romaine Mundle, Chemsidine Talbi and Trai Hume in succession as Sunderland pressed for control. Those interventions kept the scoreline close and helped Oxford leave the tie with plenty to take into upcoming fixtures.
Oxford’s manager made multiple changes with league survival the overriding priority, but this outing offered some encouragement. The home side matched Sunderland physically and created a few bright moments, and their supporters responded at the final whistle with appreciation for a performance fought to the end despite the defeat.
What the result means next
For Sunderland, progression represents another positive step in an encouraging season. The win keeps their cup ambitions alive as they look toward a potential run to Wembley, while allowing Le Bris to manage squad minutes amid a congested calendar.
Oxford now return focus to the Championship and a challenging trip to Middlesbrough. That fixture is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, with kick-off at 10: 00 ET. The league campaign will demand consistency if Oxford are to climb away from the relegation zone, but the promise shown in this cup tie — particularly from recent recruits and their stand-in goalkeeper — provides a morale-boosting moment.
In sum, Sunderland did what was required to move on in the FA Cup, while Oxford, though eliminated, left the pitch having shown fight and character. The tie was decided by a single moment of quality from Diarra and a decisive referee call, but both teams will take distinct lessons from a competitive afternoon at the Kassam Stadium.
