Eliezer Mayenda has described scoring Sunderland’s first Premier League goal in eight years as an “amazing feeling”, Afrosport reports.
The Black Cats were back in the English top flight for the first time since 2017 and 20-year-old Spaniard Mayenda got the ball rolling in their season opener against West Ham United on Saturday before Daniel Billard and Wilson Isidor added their names on the scoresheet for an emphatic 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
Mayenda, who is of Congolese and Togolese heritage, reflected on the game, stating: “It was a great game for us – we played very well and I’m so happy for the first win.
“It was an amazing feeling to score, and for it to be our first goal back in the Premier League is even more special.”
He added: “The atmosphere was incredible. I thought we had to win the first game to be competitive for the season, and we did that. The fans pushed us all the way and gave us the energy to keep going.
“We need to stay focused, keep working, and keep moving forward. This is only the beginning, but today was a big step for us.”
WE ARE SUNDERLAND 😤#SUNWHU pic.twitter.com/Dr8AMJNSJa
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 16, 2025
Sunderland will next travel to Turf Moor to face fellow newly-promoted side Burnley.
