Tolu Arokodare marked his first start for Ajax with a decisive brace as the Dutch side defeated FC Sion 5–3 at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday to secure a place in the UEFA Conference League Phase, Trybal News reports.
Ajax entered the second leg with a 4–2 advantage from the first meeting in Switzerland and made a rapid start, taking the lead after just over 30 seconds through Youri Baas.
Sion responded strongly, with Winsley Boteli scoring twice to give the visitors a 2–1 lead. Ajax restored parity before half-time when Davy Klaassen completed a well-worked move.
Arokodare then provided the turning point.
The Nigerian striker, making his first start since joining Ajax, scored in first-half stoppage time to restore the home side’s lead and put Ajax 3–2 ahead at the break.
He struck again shortly after the restart, extending Ajax’s advantage to 4–2 and completing his brace. Oliver Edvardsen added a fifth goal for the hosts as Ajax took firm control of the tie.
Boteli completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, but the late effort could not prevent Ajax from progressing with a 9–5 aggregate victory.
Arokodare finished the match with seven shots, three on target, 26 touches and 13 passes, completing 12. He also won all four of his aerial duels and recorded three defensive contributions.
The performance continues an impressive start to Arokodare’s European campaign. The striker has now recorded three goals and one assist in his last two UEFA Conference League appearances.
Thursday’s result ensures Ajax will feature in the Conference League Phase, with the draw scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon.
For Arokodare, the evening represented a significant step forward in his Ajax career, making an immediate impact when handed his first opportunity to start.
