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However, Charlton, who had most of the possession but lacked a cutting edge, battled back to salvage a point and in the last minute both sides had great chances to win the match.
A lack of goals has been a real problem for both teams this season as they have scored only 14 between them in 22 matches.
Sunderland had scored only five goals in their first 11 Premiership games this season but got off to a perfect start with a goal in the 14th minute.
Gavin McCann saw his shot blocked and when the ball rebounded to Tore Andre Flo he rifled a fierce shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Kevin Phillips, who has yet to score this season, then saw his effort cleared off the line by Scott Parker as Sunderland’s confidence grew.
Charlton slowly got into their stride with Claus Jensen also having an effort blocked on the line.
Charlton upped their game in the second half with Jensen again going close and they eventually broke down a well-organised Sunderland defence with 13 minutes left.
Jason Euell flicked on Chris Powell's cross and Gary Rowett came hurtling in at the far post to bundle the ball over the line for his first goal for Charlton since his summer move from Leicester City.
In the dying seconds of the match Addicks substitute Kevin Lisbie squandered a great chance for the home side and at the other end Flo saw a goal-bound header brilliantly saved by Dean Kiely who had earlier tipped a Kevin Kilbane shot onto the bar.