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Kostoulas's Stoppage-Time Stunner Earns Brighton Dramatic Draw vs Bournemouth

Charalampos Kostoulas came off the bench to score a breathtaking overhead kick in stoppage time, earning Brighton a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. The visitors had led through a Marcus Tavernier penalty, awarded after a VAR review overturned a simulation booking. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler felt his side deserved victory after controlling the second half, while Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola lamented the harsh late concession. The point extends Brighton's positive unbeaten run in the new year.

Key Points: Brighton 1-1 Bournemouth: Kostoulas Late Overhead Kick

  • Kostoulas scores stunning overhead kick
  • Tavernier's penalty gave Bournemouth lead
  • VAR overturned simulation call for penalty
  • Brighton dominated second-half possession
  • Result extends Brighton's unbeaten 2026 start
2 min read

Kostoulas's stoppage time stunner helps Brighton hold Bournemouth

Charalampos Kostoulas scores a spectacular stoppage-time overhead kick to salvage a 1-1 draw for Brighton against Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium.

"It is very harsh, very harsh for us because we were so close to getting the three points. - Andoni Iraola"

Brighton and Hove, Jan 20

Charalampos Kostoulas scored a spectacular overhead kick in second-half stoppage time to salvage a point for Brighton & Hove Albion in a 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth.

The Cherries had looked set to leave the Amex Stadium with three points, having defended resolutely after Marcus Tavernier scored a 32nd-minute penalty.

Tavernier slotted into the bottom-left corner from the spot after Amine Adli went down under Bart Verbruggen's challenge, with referee Paul Tierney reversing his initial decision to book the Bournemouth man for simulation following a VAR review, and awarding a penalty instead.

Brighton bossed possession throughout the second half without truly testing Djordje Petrovic, until 18-year-old substitute Kostoulas gave the goalkeeper no chance with his stunning acrobatic effort.

"In the second half we had big opportunities. We wanted to win this game, in the end we have to accept the point, but I think we definitely deserved to win this game.

"We wasted 20 minutes in the first half after the goal and we could use them much more effectively. In the second half we were better in positioning and then I think that we had the game under control and we could score more than one goal," Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler said.

Following a winless December, Brighton had quietly bolstered their European hopes with an unbeaten start to 2026, and an FA Cup victory at Manchester United last time out continued their positive momentum.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola added, "It is very harsh, very harsh for us because we were so close to getting the three points. We played a really good first half and had our chances, we scored one and we were controlling the game.

"In the second half we didn't have the energy to keep these intensity levels and we had to defend a little bit lower, especially after the Brighton subs, but we were doing well. At the end it is an incredible goal from Kostoulas."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan watching from India, these are the moments that make staying up late for the matches worth it! Bournemouth must be absolutely gutted, but fair play to the young lad.
V
Vikram M
The VAR decision for the penalty was crucial. Initially a booking for simulation, then overturned. These marginal calls change games. Hurzeler is right, Brighton wasted time after conceding. Need to be more clinical to get top 6.
R
Rohit P
Respectful criticism: Brighton had 70%+ possession but only one real shot on target until the wonder goal. That's not enough. They play beautiful football but sometimes need to be more direct, like how Man City finishes games.
P
Priya S
Imagine being a Bournemouth fan! So close to a big away win. Iraola's team defended well but just ran out of steam. The Premier League is so punishing. Great match for us neutrals though! 😅
N
Nikhil C
This is why we love football. A moment of pure magic can change everything. Kostoulas is a hero today. Brighton's momentum is good for their European push. As an Indian fan, I just enjoy the quality.

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