African trinity Lamine Kone, Didier Ndong and Brendan Gallowayall featured for Sunderland in their first Championship win and historic victory over Norwich City on Sunday.
The Black Cats, who were relegated from the Primier League last campaign, thumped Norwich 3-1 at Carrow Road.
Lewis Grabban scored twice for Sunderland and also netted an own goal as the Tyne and Wear side beat Norwich for their first league win of the season.
Aiden McGeady also got on the score sheet as the Black Cats ended a seven years curse that has seen them fail to win a single league game in the opening month of the season.
Ivorian defender Kone and Zimbabwean born defender Galloway featured alongside each other in Simon Grayson’s back-four while Gabon midfielder Ndong featured in midfield.
On loan from Everton and England U/21 international Galloway was born in Zimbabwe but turned down an opportunity to represent the Warriors at the Nations Cup in Gabon recently when he was approached while both Kone and Ndong feature regularly for their respective countries.
Kone’s solid showing in the opening-night 1-1 draw with Derby County was translated into Sunday's game as the 28-year-old was once again impressive.
The 28-year-old led his team’s rearguard action in the first half, ably assisted by defensive partner Tyias Browning, proving why he is a transfer target for many Premier League teams.
It remains to be seen if Grayson decides to let the Ivorian go or he will keep at the side and hope for more performances like Sundays.
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