Portsmouth 1
Defoe 69(pen)
Sunderland 0
Portsmouth 1 Sunderland 0 February 23 2008
Jermain Defoe's strike from a contentious penalty was enough to keep Portsmouth's European bid on course with a 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Black Cats midfielder Dickson Etuhu failed to connect with an early chance when unmarked and Sulley Muntari then sent a set-piece effort just over from 25 yards for the hosts.
Pompey finally managed a shot on target when Defoe hit a half-volley that Craig Gordon efficiently smothered on 52 minutes.
Grant Leadbitter went close with a 20-yard free-kick at the other end.
Kanu's introduction as a substitute helped spark a Pompey goal - although it came from what looked a harsh penalty.
Niko Kranjcar fell over Phil Bardsley's outstretched leg and despite the Mackems' protests, Defoe stepped up to rifle the ball past Gordon on 69 minutes.
The result was a savage blow for Roy Keane's men but boosted Harry Redknapp's side's bid to qualify for Europe.