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.
. Sunderland's Patrick Roberts (second left) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final, second leg match at Hillsborough, Sheffield. Picture date: Monday May 9, 2022.
Sunderland's Patrick Roberts. Photo: Zac Goodwin
. Anthony Patterson - 6
Brought a welcome calm for the most part aside from one or two nervy moments from crosses. Couldn’t do anything about the goal. 6 Photo: JPI Media
. Danny Batth - 8
Looked crestfallen after the equalising goal but deserved to be on the winning side over two legs, winning so many of his duels. 8 Photo: JPI Media
. Bailey Wright - 9
Once again led from the front, conducting his post-match duties with blood all over his face. That summed up what he has brought to the side of late. 9 Photo: JPI Media
. Dennis Cirkin - 8
Sheffield Wednesday targeted his flank from the off but he stood up to the task with another tenacious showing. Showing so much guts. 8 Photo: JPI Media
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