The Black Cats goalkeeper, who joined the Stadium of Light this summer, was handed his first U23s start in the 5-1 win at New Ferens Park.
Sunderland youngster Ahmed Abdelkader has posted a message on Twitter following the Black Cats Under-23s’ 5-1 victory over Washington in the Durham Cup.
Goals from Nathan Greenwood and Williams Kokolo put Sunderland in control of the tie early on at the New Ferens Park and there was more to come after the interval.
Lee Connelly and Jack Bainbridge scored twice in two minutes, with the former adding a fifth late on after Craig Hennis had initially pulled one back for the hosts.
Abdelkader, who joined the Stadium of Light outfit in the summer (Chronicle Live), was handed his first start for the U23s by Elliott Dickman and he performed admirably.
The 20-year-old‘s post, hashtagged “be patient” and “opportunity”, was praised by a few Sunderland fans who took the time to respond to his message:
At present there are just two goalkeepers listed as Sunderland first-team players on their squad page – Jon McLaughlin and Lee Burge – following the summer departures of Robbin Ruiter, Max Stryjek and Max Johnstone, while Anthony Patterson has been vying with Abdelkader in the Under-23s.
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