AFCON 2025
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha announced himself on the Premier League stage in spectacular fashion, coming off the bench to score a 100th-minute winner as Liverpool edged Newcastle United 3-2 in a pulsating contest at St James’ Park.
On a night charged with tension, controversy, and relentless drama, the teenager’s composure in the dying seconds sealed all three points and etched his name into Liverpool history as their youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer.
Liverpool had looked in control early, striking in the first half through Ryan Gravenberch’s long-range effort and a goal from Hugo Ekitike immediately after the restrart. The match turned on its head when Anthony Gordon saw red for a reckless challenge on Virgil van Dijk, sparking fury among the home crowd.
Down to ten men, Newcastle refused to crumble. They rallied brilliantly in the second half, with Bruno Guimarães heading in to halve the deficit before substitute Will Osula levelled, setting up a frantic finale.
Just when a draw seemed inevitable, the moment belonged to Ngumoha. Introduced deep into stoppage time, the youngster latched onto a loose ball and slotted calmly past the keeper in the 10th minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations from the travelling Liverpool fans and breaking Newcastle hearts.
The result maintained Liverpool’s perfect start to the campaign, though questions remain over their game management after nearly surrendering a two-goal advantage against a depleted Newcastle side.
