Kamaldeen Sulemana's Southampton secure Championship playoff final after win over West Brom

St. Mary's Stadium was a stage of entertainment and anticipation on Friday evening as Southampton secured a spot in the Championship playoff final with a commanding 3-1 victory over West Brom.

The Saints will now lock horns with Leeds United in the ultimate battle for promotion.

Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana was an onlooker for this crucial encounter, remaining on the bench as an unused substitute.

Meanwhile, English-born Ghanaian attacker Brandon Thomas-Asante was summoned in the 64th minute, replacing Jed Wallace for West Brom.

The first leg of the semi-final had ended in a stalemate, but Southampton took control of the match from the outset, dominating possession and unleashing more shots on goal.

Their perseverance paid off four minutes into the second half when Will Smallbone's powerful finish found the back of the net, following a mistake by Gray Diangana.

Southampton's offensive onslaught continued, with Adam Armstrong playing a pivotal role.

In the 78th minute, his shot went through Darnell Furlong's legs and past Alex Palmer to double the Saints' advantage.

Armstrong was not done yet, converting a penalty in the 86th minute after Tom Fellows fouled Ryan Manning in the box. Cedric Kipre's late header in the 90+7 minute was nothing more than a consolation for West Brom.

Kamaldeen Sulemana, 22, made 25 appearances in the Championship this season, providing three assists. His potential involvement in the final against Leeds United could add extra fire to Southampton's attack.