Rabiu AminuRoy Keane Lauds J. Bi’s Explosive Cameo in Sunderland’s Gritty FA Cup Victory
In the aftermath of Sunderland’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Oxford United in the FA Cup fourth round on February 15, 2026, former Black Cats manager Roy Keane was quick to single out one player for particular praise: substitute Jocelin Ta Bi, known affectionately as J. Bi among supporters.
The Ivorian winger, who joined Sunderland in January for a reported £3.5 million, made what appears to be his competitive debut off the bench in the second half at the Kassam Stadium. With the Black Cats holding onto a first-half penalty converted by Habib Diarra, Ta Bi entered the fray and immediately injected energy into an attack that had begun to look predictable.
Keane, speaking on Sky Sports’ post-match analysis, didn’t hold back in his admiration for the youngster’s brief but telling contribution. “Look, he was only on for a short time, but that’s exactly what impact looks like,” Keane said. “Quick feet, drives at defenders, no fear. He troubled them straight away, cut inside, nearly scored – that shot just wide shows the quality. In a game like this, where you’re grinding out a result away from home, you need players off the bench who can change the momentum. J. Bi did that. Small minutes, big impression. That’s the mentality we need more of.”
Player ratings from the match echoed Keane’s sentiments, with Ta Bi earning a solid 7/10 for his cameo. Reports highlighted how he troubled the Oxford defense with driving runs and clever movement, coming agonizingly close to doubling Sunderland’s lead when his left-footed effort from the edge of the box whistled past the near post. Even in limited time, he demonstrated the directness and composure that made him an exciting January addition under Régis Le Bris.
Keane, never one to mince words, contrasted Ta Bi’s entrance with broader themes of squad depth. “Too many games are decided by the bench these days,” he added. “You can’t just rely on your starters. This lad showed hunger, showed he wants to make things happen. If he keeps that attitude, he’ll be a handful for defenses week in, week out.”
Sunderland’s progression to the fifth round keeps their FA Cup hopes alive amid a demanding season, and Ta Bi’s performance has already sparked optimism among fans and pundits alike. For a player with limited prior exposure at the club, earning such high praise from a legend like Keane speaks volumes about his potential.
As Le Bris continues to integrate his new recruits, moments like this remind everyone why smart recruitment can pay dividends quickly. J. Bi may have only had a handful of minutes against Oxford, but in Roy Keane’s eyes, they were minutes that mattered.
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