Manchester United youngster Amad made his final appearance of his Sunderland loan spell on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Luton Town in the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final at Kenilworth Road.
First half goals from centre-backs Gabriel Osho and Tom Lockyer sealed Luton's passage to their first-ever EFL play-off final as they recovered from behind to prevail 3-2 on aggregate. The Hatters had lost the first leg 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
For Amad, though, it was a gut-wrenching ending to what had been a magical loan spell for the Ivorian. He joined the Black Cats, who were pursuing a second successive promotion, on loan from United last August and played a key role in their unexpected play-off charge.
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In total, the 20-year-old made 42 appearances for Tony Mowbray's side, scoring 14 goals and grabbing four assists. He ended the campaign as the club's leading goalscorer, netting three more than Ross Stewart, who missed most of the campaign through injury, and Jack Clarke, who both chipped in with 11 goals each.
Amad scored his final goal in Sunderland colours in Saturday's first leg at the Stadium of Light in stunning fashion, bending home a wonderful free-kick to bring the Black Cats level after Elijah Adebayo had given the Hatters an early lead. In the second leg, however, Amad, despite spearheading Sunderland's efforts, didn't have quite as much joy, with Luton's experience knowhow proving that little bit too much for the Wearside outfit.
Nevertheless, despite the agony of missing out on a trip to Wembley to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season, it was a fantastic campaign for both Sunderland and Amad. The Black Cats were in League One this time last year and were never expected to challenge for a top-six berth this season.
Amad, who narrowly missed out on the Championship's Young Player of the Year award, is poised to return to Old Trafford and be part of Erik ten Hag's plans next season. The Dutchman has kept a watchful eye on his development this season and plans to embed him within his first-team squad next term.
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