As it happened: How SAFC U23s became European finalists

Sunderland under-23s became the club's first ever European finalists on Friday evening when they defeated Norwich City at Carrow Road. 

Joel Asoro scored the game's only goal but here's how all the drama unfolded. . .

📝U23 TEAM NEWS: Three first-team faces named in #SAFC's starting XI to face @NorwichCityFC 👍 pic.twitter.com/r58pxrLIKn

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

The Lads are out and preparations are underway! https://t.co/cWiCdH2xM0

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

1' @joelasoro1 gets the ball rolling. . .

We're underway at Carrow Road! #HawayTheLads

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

4' @lyndengooch46 musters up the first effort on goal of the evening! It was, however, a routine stop for Oxborough who gathered easily.

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

13' @joelasoro1!

The Swede calmly slots home as he goes through on goal. #SAFC take an early lead.

0-1 pic.twitter.com/K9jYfs9NUm

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

33' Penalty to @NorwichCityFC. . .

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

.@NorwichCityFC Seemed soft but the referee gave it for a shirt pull. Middleton to take. . .

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

34' SAVED! WHAT A STOP FROM @MaxStryjek!

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

.@MaxStryjek #SAFC's stopper threw himself to his left side and made an magnificent stop to preserve the Lads' lead.

0-1

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

HT - @joelasoro1's goal on 13 minutes sees #SAFC go into the midway interval with a slender lead.

Plenty of work still to do, Lads! 💪 pic.twitter.com/tsfCWmS72h

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

54' @lyndengooch46 strikes the bar! The American's strike flicked up off the turf and almost caught Oxborough out.

0-1

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

65' CHANCE! Oxborough spreads himself well and makes a seismic stop to deny @joelasoro1 from doubling #SAFC's lead.

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

78' A BIG CHANCE! @lyndengooch46 gets the better of Godfrey but gets caught in two minds as he cross come shot goes wide

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

79' SAVE! @MaxStryjek produces a fine fingertip stop to push the ball away from goal. #SAFC escape but @NorwichCityFC are finishing strong.

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

ALL OVER! #SAFC U23s advance to the @premierleague International Cup final!

Well done, Lads!! 👏 pic.twitter.com/re76gvR5t3

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

🏆 #SAFC U23s will face FC Porto in the final of the @premierleague International Cup. Details to be confirmed in due course. pic.twitter.com/G0GFpT43v7

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017

📝REPORT: #SAFC U23s defeat @NorwichCityFC to advance into the @premierleague International Cup final 👌

➡️ https://t.co/jeDYGHNl2m pic.twitter.com/w7m0gByVkR

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) March 31, 2017