Three Ghanaians were part of the Sunderland side that lost 2-3 away to Stoke in an English Premiership game riddled with controversy. Stoke in a dramatic finish, rallied late in the game to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat but will look back at Referee Probert and thank him for doing them, a favour. The Black Cats shot early in the game through Kieran Richardson who latched on to a miscue by Gyan from near post but Stoke got back late in the half through Carew when a trademark javeline-like throw-in taken on the right of attack left the Sunderland defence gasping. Gordon was impeded in the air before Carew’s over stretched leg connected the lose ball from close range for a crucial equalizer. One all it ended at half time but Asamoah Gyan put the Black Cats ahead in the second half after winning a great through ball from Muntari who was making his Sunderland debut. The former Inter Milan star spotted a timed-run from his Ghanaian team mate and laid a 30 yard pass to him but Gyan who initially appeared to have lost possession fought back with a little shoving and blasted a low ball from close range for Sunderland’s second. The Black Cats looked comfortable with the results with Muntari, linking up well in mid-field with Sessegnon, Richardson but failed to create openings for another goal. Stoke gradually warmed themselves back into the game and capitalized on their powerful, javeline-like-throw-ins, which almost always created problems for the Sunderland defence. Too many injuries on Mensah clearly had taken a toll on the Ghanaian dependable defender who looked slow, rusty and in some cases gave John Carew the opportunity to maneuver. Stoke in the last embers of the game fired from all cylinders and forced the Black Cats into giving away needless free-kicks, two of which were converted for the priceless victory. Muntari brushed the ankle of Carew just around the 18 yard box resulting in the first free-kick. Carew from close range connected the ball with his hand instead of his head into the path of Huth who needed just a touch for the equalizer in the 83rd minute. Deep into stoppage time Stoke in a similar area was awarded a free kick which was expertly taken from the left of attack and Huth again tucked his foot for the win which could prove crucial in Stoke’s ambition to remain the Premiership. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana