Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner played the full 90 minutes as Bristol City’s 2024/2025 campaign ended with a 3-0 loss to Sheffield United in the English Football League (EFL) Championship Play-Off Semi-Final second leg at Bramall Lane. The result sealed a 6-0 aggregate defeat, ending City’s hopes of promotion to the Premier League for the first time ever, with their last top-flight appearance coming back in 1980.Trailing 3-0 from the first leg at Ashton Gate, City faced an uphill task in Sheffield. Their slim hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as the Blades matched their previous scoreline to book a spot in the final.##NAJAVA_MECA_8916478##Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsKieffer Moore opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalising on a defensive lapse from a set piece. Gustavo Hamer added a second with a deflected shot early in the second half, and Callum O’Hare sealed the win with a late tap-in from Sydie Peck’s cross.Despite the result, Bristol City showed early promise. Scott Twine and Tom Cannon forced early saves from Sheffield goalkeeper Michael Cooper, while Ross McCrorie headed just wide from a Haydon Roberts cross. Jason Knight and Nahki Wells also tested Cooper, who remained alert throughout.Gor Mahia in line for second cup of the season on Madaraka DayCity maintained attacking pressure, but Sheffield gradually took control. In the 35th minute, Hamer’s cross narrowly missed Andre Brooks, and moments later, Harrison Burrows’ deflected effort earned a corner. Just before the break, Moore’s header gave the hosts the lead on the night.Twine’s free kick early in the second half drew another save from Cooper, but Hamer soon doubled the lead with a strike from the edge of the area. In response, City’s head coach Liam Manning introduced Anis Mehmeti, Yu Hirakawa, and Marcus McGuane for Earthy, Twine, and Josh Bird. Cam Pring was later replaced by Sam Bell.Sheffield United completed the rout in the 83rd minute when O’Hare finished from close range, sealing a dominant performance and ending Bristol City’s season.Kenyan midfielder named in U-20 AFCON group stage Best XIDespite the disappointing result, Manning remained proud of his team’s progress after appearing in the Championship Playoffs for the first time in 17 years.”I’m hugely proud of the lads for what they’ve achieved this year. Tonight must be a lesson for us,” he told BBC Radio Bristol.“Credit to the players, staff, and fans — who were phenomenal, making the long trip for such a tough match.“Everyone has helped create a real buzz around the club. Of course, there’s room for improvement, but we’ve made significant progress over the past 18 months.”Details of new World Athletics event featuring a Ksh1.3 billion prize purse
