AFC Bournemouth were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium, missing the opportunity to strengthen their push for European qualification.
Andoni Iraola’s side fell behind in the first half when Eliezer Mayenda scored his first Premier League goal since August.
The Sunderland forward reacted quickest after a powerful effort from Habib Diarra was parried by Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, calmly slotting home from close range in the 18th minute.
Bournemouth responded after the break and were rewarded in the 64th minute. Marcus Tavernier delivered a dangerous cross that Robin Roefs misjudged, allowing Evanilson to bundle the ball in off his shoulder for his sixth goal of the season. The equaliser extended the Cherries’ unbeaten league run to eight matches.
A victory would have moved Bournemouth closer to the Champions League qualification places, but instead they remain eighth in the table. Sunderland sit two points behind in 11th, keeping the race for European spots tightly contested.
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka returned to the starting XI for the first time since January 17 following an ankle injury. His presence added composure to a side that had lost four of five league games in his absence.
The visitors nearly earned an early penalty when Enzo Le Fee appeared to be pushed by Alex Jimenez, but appeals were waved away.
Despite losing Antoine Semenyo earlier in the season, Bournemouth have maintained momentum, with Junior Kroupi stepping up impressively. Kroupi nearly opened the scoring early on but fired wide from inside the area.
Sunderland’s defensive resilience was highlighted when Lutsharel Geertruida produced a crucial goal-saving tackle to deny David Brooks from close range.
Roefs also made a stunning double save in the second half, first pushing away Tavernier’s shot before scrambling across to block Alex Scott’s follow-up effort.
Diarra had a chance to double Sunderland’s advantage shortly after halftime but shot straight at Petrovic from Chemsdine Talbi’s pass.
Jimenez came close late on with a low drive that flashed narrowly wide, but Bournemouth were unable to find a winner as both sides settled for a point in an entertaining Premier League clash.
