Semi Ajayi scored his first goal for Hull City with a brilliant header as the Tigers came from behind to beat Stoke City 2–1 at the Bet365 Stadium.
Sorba Thomas had given Stoke an early lead, but the Super Eagles defender pulled Hull level shortly after the restart before Joe Gelhardt sealed the comeback with a dramatic stoppage-time winner.
The match swung on a few decisive moments. Stoke looked on course after Thomas opened the scoring from a corner in the 17th minute.
Hull grew into the contest after half-time, and Mohamed Belloumi’s delivery from a set-piece found Ajayi, who powered a close-range header into the net in the 48th minute to make it 1–1. That goal shifted the game and allowed Hull to press for a winner.
Semi Ajayi’s impact
Ajayi offered more than a headed goal. He was a constant aerial presence from corners and set pieces, troubling Stoke’s defence throughout the second half. He came close again in the 74th minute when his header narrowly missed, and his physical presence forced Stoke to defend deeper as Hull searched for the decisive moment.
A late stoppage for an injury to Ajayi added a tense spell, but he continued after treatment and remained influential until the end.
Late drama and the winner
Joe Gelhardt completed the comeback in the first minute of added time, finishing a move created by Mohamed Belloumi. Gelhardt’s strike capped a dramatic finale and continued his rich scoring form for Hull. After the goal, Hull defended resolutely to secure all three points.
What next
Hull travel to the MKM Stadium to host Middlesbrough on December 5. The victory gives Hull momentum heading into a busy period.
Semi Ajayi and the defence will look to maintain their set-piece threat while the team aims to build on this comeback result.
