Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms set Sunderland on track for three points with goals on the second Saturday in a row, but QPR rallied for a point in the dying seconds. Until Ilias Chair curled in a magnificent free-kick with three minutes left for QPR, their first-half goals in the 31st and 40th minutes, it appeared that QPR would not be able to respond.
Sunderland still had a chance to win, but the Hoops goalkeeper produced a last-second stop to prevent Stewart from adding a second goal that would have secured the victory.
Both Sunderland and QPR enjoyed strong beginnings to the season, and following midweek Carabao Cup matches, the two teams' lineups were well-known.
Additionally, Dieng's initial header for a late corner was blocked, but he converted on a second chance as the ball rebounded into the box.
While QPR manager Michael Beale made three changes to the team that defeated Middlesbrough on Saturday, Sunderland manager Alex Neil stuck with the lineup that began against Bristol City a week earlier.
Neil would soon have to consider a shift. After extensive treatment, Dan Ballard, a former Arsenal defender, had to be substituted after Albert Adomah intentionally stepped on him with only nine minutes remaining in the game.
Neil would soon have to consider a shift. With only nine minutes left in the game, Dan Ballard had to be removed when Albert Adomah intentionally put his foot in his mouth.
Adomah, who was right in the middle of the action, missed a great opportunity to give QPR the lead as the final quarter-hour approached. After being found by Olamide Shodipo, the ex-Middlesbrough player headed wide from inside six yards.
Prior to it, Sunderland impressed the fervent fans by displaying remarkable hunger. Simms came within inches of capping off a fine play, but Dieng was there to hold in the middle of the goal.
The opportunity came from Stewart's knock-down after Alex Pritchard's cross, and a few seconds later, the latter curled a shot from the edge of the box wide.
Soon after the half-hour mark, Sunderland scored the goal that their supporters had been waiting for, and Stewart was happy to oblige.
There was still a lot of work to be done when he sent the ball to Jack Clarke from Dan Neil across the field. Pritchard was found by Clarke, and his run and pass caused Neil to force Dieng to make a low save. Stewart was the first to respond with a predatory strike from the rebound.
Sunderland scored their second nine minutes later. When Stefan Johansen tackled Pritchard and batted the ball away, It dropped enticingly for Simms to poke a low, strong finish beyond Dieng.
Tyler Roberts, a QPR replacement, missed a goal opportunity from a central position as the second half got off to a strong start.
Following that, QPR persisted in attempting to score, and when Chair's curling free-kick was finally successful late in the game, the stage was set for Dieng to charge upfield for a corner and secure a dramatic point.
Even if he had to make one final save from Stewart at the other end after Elliot Embleton for Sunderland also struck the crossbar.
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