Patrick Roberts scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to put the Black Cats 2-1 ahead on aggregate.
It came after Wednesday striker Lee Gregory levelled the score, and the match looked set to go to extra-time before Roberts’ late finish.
Sunderland will now face Wycombe Wanderers in the final at Wembley Stadium later this month.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at Hillsborough:
Sunderland will now face Wycombe Wanderers in the final at Wembley Stadium later this month.
5. Lynden Gooch - 8
This was a much tougher night understandably but yet again he has come through for his side, with some really good defensive contributions. 8
Photo: Frank Reid
6. Corry Evans - 8
Another composed, tenacious performance from the team captain, without whom Sunderland would not be going to Wembley. 8
Photo: JPI Media
7. Luke O’Nien - 7
At times could have offered more in possession but his scrapping off the ball and breaking up the play was important. 7
Photo: Frank Reid
8. Patrick Roberts - 8
Had been superb throughout and may have felt he let Johnson go for the equaliser. More than made amends with a lung-busting run to produce one of the great Sunderland moments. Stunning. 8
Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022