Slow Start Quickly Forgotten as Belloumi Changes the Game
Hull City winger Mohamed Belloumi endured an awkward introduction during his side’s Championship play-off semi-final second leg against Millwall.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic sent the Algerian forward onto the pitch shortly before half-time after Kyle Joseph suffered an injury. However, Belloumi delayed his entrance while tying his boot laces, leaving his visibly frustrated manager and team-mates waiting on the touchline.
Jakirovic made no attempt to hide his irritation.
Nevertheless, Belloumi transformed the mood completely within 50 minutes by producing one goal and one assist to send Hull City into the Championship play-off final.
“Mo’s brilliant. He can become whatever he wants to be,” striker Oli McBurnie told Sky Sports.
“He was probably unlucky not to start, but the manager clearly knew what he was doing because both he and Joe Gelhardt came on and scored.”
Belloumi Overcomes Injury Struggles to Shine
The 23-year-old emerged as Hull’s standout performer and guided the Tigers to a Wembley final against either Southampton or Middlesbrough on 23 May, with a place in the Premier League at stake.
First, Belloumi ended more than two hours without a goal in the semi-final by curling a brilliant effort into the net. Then, moments later, he won possession deep inside his own half, surged forward, and set up Gelhardt to score Hull’s decisive second goal.
However, Belloumi’s journey in English football has not been easy. He joined Hull from Portuguese club Farense in August 2024 and initially impressed before suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury against Oxford United in November, which prematurely ended his season.
By the time he returned last August, Hull had already dismissed both Tim Walter and Ruben Selles before appointing Jakirovic.
Furthermore, two hamstring injuries sidelined Belloumi for four months this season, making his comeback even more challenging.
Although he started the goalless first leg and struck the post after only two minutes, Jakirovic revealed that fatigue prevented Belloumi from starting the second leg.
“He felt very tired and had fatigue in both hamstrings and his Achilles, so the plan was always to use him in the second half,” Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside.
“It turned out to be a great substitution and a great decision. When things work, everyone says you are smart. If they don’t, people say you are stupid. That’s football.”
Jakirovic Eyes Premier League Glory After Remarkable Campaign
Meanwhile, Hull captain Lewie Coyle praised both Belloumi and the club’s medical team for helping the winger recover so strongly.
“He’s incredible. We’re lucky to have so many players who can change games from the bench,” Coyle said.
“We all know how talented he is, and I’m delighted for him. He suffered a very difficult injury, so credit also goes to the recovery staff for helping him return at this level.”
Jakirovic’s first season in English football will now conclude at Wembley after an impressive campaign under difficult circumstances.
Earlier this season, Hull received a three-window transfer fee restriction for late payments to other clubs. Although the club later reduced the punishment to two windows with one suspended after an appeal, the limitations created major challenges throughout the season.
Now, Jakirovic stands just 90 minutes away from joining Phil Brown and Steve Bruce as the only managers to guide Hull City into the Premier League.
Despite winning league titles in Bosnia and Croatia and managing in the Champions League, Jakirovic described reaching the play-off final as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“This could be the biggest achievement of my football career,” he admitted.
“I have won titles before and enjoyed success, but reaching this final under these circumstances makes me incredibly proud of everyone at this club.”
