Bournemouth draw 1-1 with Sunderland in setback for European hopes

Bournemouth played out a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, missing an opportunity to strengthen their push for European qualification on Saturday.

Andoni Iraola's team were behind in the first half at the Vitality Stadium following Eliezer Mayenda netting his first Premier League goal since August.

Evanilson's sixth strike of the campaign brought Bournemouth back on level terms in the second half, stretching the home side's unbeaten streak to eight league matches.

Victory would have positioned Bournemouth as potential challengers for a Champions League spot, but they stay in eighth position, with Sunderland trailing by two points in 11th.

Sunderland skipper Granit Xhaka returned to the starting lineup for the first time since January 17, having recovered from an ankle problem.

The Black Cats had dropped points in four of five league fixtures without the key playmaker and appeared more organised with him back.

Sunderland called unsuccessfully for an early spot-kick when Enzo Le Fee seemed to be shoved by Alex Jimenez.

Upon Antoine Semenyo's move from Bournemouth to Manchester City, the Cherries sat in 15th and were predicted to struggle in the wake of losing the attacker.

However, since Semenyo left, they have avoided defeat in league play, thanks to Junior Kroupi's strong performances stepping into the gap.

Kroupi nearly opened the scoring early, shooting just wide from within the Sunderland penalty area.

Sunderland capitalised on that let-off to go ahead in the 18th minute.

Habib Diarra's forceful shot was tipped away by Bournemouth keeper Djordje Petrovic, allowing Mayenda to finish neatly from near range.

Sunderland have not lost any league matches this season when netting first.

Lutsharel Geertruida highlighted Sunderland's backline strength with a vital clearance to prevent David Brooks from converting Jimenez's delivery.

Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs pulled off a double stop, deflecting Marcus Tavernier's attempt towards Alex Scott before diving to repel the rebound with his foot.

Diarra missed a chance to extend Sunderland's advantage right after the break, firing directly at Roefs after a pass from Chemsdine Talbi.

Bournemouth levelled the score in the 64th minute as Roefs failed to deal with Tavernier's delivery, enabling Evanilson to force the ball in from the back post off the keeper's frame.

Jimenez unleashed a fierce low effort just off target late in the game, yet Bournemouth could not secure the decisive goal.