COVENTRY City suffered a 2-0 defeat against Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Former City loanee Yasin Ayari and Abdallah Sima both found the net for the Seagulls at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.
Fabian Hurzeler named a strong side for the visit of the Sky Blues and the hosts had the ball in the back of the net early on with Matt O’Riley’s effort ruled out for offside.
Brighton took the lead on 23 minutes when Ayari nodded in O’Riley’s cross from close range.
Ayari previously made 13 appearances on loan for the Sky Blues during the first half of the 2023/24 campaign.
At the other end, Brandon Thomas-Asante dragged a shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.
City felt they should have had a penalty after the break when Ellis Simms saw his effort strike the arm of Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
And Frank Lampard’s side went close again with Jason Steele at full stretch to hold Victor Torp’s header.
However, Brighton doubled their lead on 78 minutes when Brad Collins cut out a cross and the ball fell into the path of Sima who duly poked home.
Goalkeeper Collins and Ben Wilson both featured while youngsters Kai Andrews, Raphael Borges Rodrigues and Callum Perry all featured.
New signings Miguel Angel Brau and Kaine Kesler-Hayden also gained valuable minutes along with a host of first team players.
