Jesurun Rak-Sakyi emerged as the match winner for Stoke City on Wednesday night, scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Oxford United in the EFL Championship.
The England-born attacker of Ghanaian heritage was included in Stoke City’s starting lineup for the Matchday 34 encounter of the 2025/26 campaign, played at the Bet365 Stadium.
56′ Thomas with his eighth assist of the season as he whips the ball to the far post where Rak-Sakyi heads in to get off the mark on his full home debut.
🔴⚪️ 2-1 ⚫️ https://t.co/SMoxTFGmmJ pic.twitter.com/WDHVmbZBQY
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 25, 2026
The Potters opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Lamine Cisse, whose effort gave the home side an early advantage after a competitive first half. Despite taking the lead, Stoke struggled to maintain control of the contest and allowed Oxford United back into the game just before the break.
Oxford United restored parity in the 44th minute when defender Ciaron Brown found the back of the net after being set up by Stanley Mills, sending the teams into halftime locked at 1-1.
With everything still to play for after the restart, Stoke City regained their edge shortly after the interval. Rak-Sakyi proved decisive in the 57th minute, rising above the defense to guide a well-timed header into the net after meeting a pinpoint delivery from Sorba Thomas.
His goal ultimately separated the two sides and secured an important three points for the hosts.
Coming back fighting, repaying the fans and being thankful for the ‘big character’ on the opposite flank.
Matchwinner Jesurun Rak-Sakyi reactions to tonight’s win 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/SqyqhgweYY
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) February 25, 2026
The victory lifts Stoke City to 13th place on the Championship standings with 47 points, strengthening their position in mid-table. Meanwhile, Oxford United remain deep in the relegation zone in 23rd place, having accumulated just 29 points from 34 matches this season.
