Yankuba Minteh delivered a standout performance in his first start of 2026, scoring a bizarre goal that clinched a 1-0 victory at Sunderland for Albion. Beyond the decisive strike, the winger created an early opportunity for Jack Hinshelwood and navigated tense moments near his own goal before substitution.
Hurzeler Highlights Minteh’s Unique Qualities
Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler commended Minteh’s versatility, noting how he posed threats from both flanks. “He showed danger on the left side and, when he scored, he came from the right side,” Hurzeler stated. “We know he can always do unpredictable things. He has the quality not many players have.”
Hurzeler expressed satisfaction with Minteh’s resilience after a challenging period. “I’m really happy for him because he overcame a really difficult phase,” the coach said. “He understood what he needs to come back on the pitch. He was waiting for his chance, then he got it and used it in a really positive way.”
Defensive Lessons Amid Emotional Atmosphere
Minteh sparked concern with a risky clearance into his own penalty area and two quick fouls, prompting home fans to demand a red card. Hurzeler contextualized the incident in the charged environment. “It’s a very emotional place here. The crowd is loud and energetic, so we all want to stay calm, but sometimes players react,” he explained. “It was a yellow card, but afterwards we needed to protect him.”
The coach emphasized balancing Minteh’s offensive brilliance with defensive solidity. “That’s the thing we have to work on with him—to keep doing unpredictable things offensively but stay more reliable defensively,” Hurzeler said. “Keep doing the easy things in our half. He understands now what it takes to contribute fully to the team.”
Hurzeler views Minteh’s goal as a confidence booster. “When you have tough moments, a positive experience like this gives confirmation that he’s on the right path,” he added. “Now we keep working with him.”
