Kenyan striker Jonah Ayunga made a second-half appearance as St. Mirren suffered a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen in a dramatic Scottish Premiership clash at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley.
Despite a spirited performance, the Saints were undone by a stoppage-time winner, extending their winless run against Aberdeen at home since 2018.
The match began at a frenetic pace, with St. Mirren showing attacking intent from the opening whistle.
Midfielder Keanu Baccus came close to giving the hosts an early lead when his effort was denied by Dons’ goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, who produced a crucial save with his legs.
At the other end, Ail Aouchiche tested St. Mirren’s shot-stopper Shamal George, but his attempt went narrowly over.
Both teams traded possession in a tightly contested first half, though clear-cut chances were rare.
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As the break approached, Killian Phillips found himself unmarked inside the box but headed over the bar from a well-executed free-kick routine, missing a golden opportunity to put the Saints ahead.
The second half provided more drama as Alex Gogic appeared to have scored on his 150th appearance for St. Mirren, nodding home a delightful cross from Baccus. However, celebrations were cut short when VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for an infringement in the build-up a decision that left the home fans fuming.
Moments later, Aberdeen nearly capitalized when Stuart Armstrong forced a fine save from George, with Alexander Jensen failing to convert the rebound.
Seeking fresh legs in attack, St. Mirren manager Stephen Robinson introduced Jonah Ayunga in the 68th minute for Dan Nlundulu, as the Saints pushed for a late breakthrough.
However, their hopes took a huge blow when Jayden Richardson was sent off for violent conduct following a VAR review, reducing St. Mirren to ten men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the hosts looked set to secure a point until deep into the seven added minutes when substitute Marko Lazetic weaved his way past his marker and fired home a low strike to seal victory for Aberdeen.
It was a cruel end for St. Mirren, who had battled bravely throughout the encounter.
The result leaves the Saints reflecting on missed opportunities and disciplinary lapses, while Aberdeen celebrated their first league win in Paisley in seven years.
Jonah Ayunga’s brief cameo offered flashes of energy, and the Kenyan forward will be hoping for more minutes as St. Mirren look to bounce back in their next outing.