Minteh netted just his second league goal of the season in the 58th minute as his sliced cross-shot somehow squeezed its way past Melker Ellborg at his near post.

Brighton's Jack Hinshelwood was denied by a brilliant, pinpoint save by Ellborg inside the opening 10 minutes before Lewis Dunk came to the Seagulls' rescue at the other end to clear Chemsdine Talbi's volley off the line.

Lutsharel Geertruida then stung the palms of Bart Verbruggen late in the first half and just five minutes after the restart, Sunderland thought it had grabbed the opening goal.

Chris Rigg picked out the bottom-left corner, but the goal was ruled out for an offside against Omar Alderete, which had headed the ball into the teenager's path after a set-piece.

Brighton made the most of that reprieve soon after through Minteh, whose effort found its way into the back of the net from a tight angle, although Habib Diarra felt he was fouled by Dunk in the build-up.

Alderte saw his header pushed to safety by Verbruggen before Sunderland substitute Dennis Cirkin wildly lashed over in stoppage-time as Brighton held on for the win.