Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare scored the decisive goal as Ajax secured a hard-fought 2–1 away victory over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie on Sunday, with his first-half strike proving crucial as the visitors withstood sustained pressure after the break to claim all three points, Trybal News reports.
Ajax took the lead in the 22nd minute through Abdellah Ouazane, who produced an excellent finish after combining with Julian Brandt. Sparta responded in the 43rd minute when Jens Toornstra headed home Isaac Babadi’s cross to level the score.
The visitors regained the advantage before half-time. Brandt initiated a swift counterattack before releasing Arokodare, who calmly placed the ball into the far corner to make it 2–1.
Arokodare continued to pose a threat after the interval and came close to extending Ajax’s lead, striking the woodwork in the second half. However, Ajax struggled to establish control as Sparta increased the intensity of their attacking play in pursuit of an equaliser.
Sparta threatened on several occasions, but goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen proved instrumental in preserving Ajax’s advantage. He denied substitute Mitchell van Bergen after a costly error in possession and produced another important save to keep out a dangerous header from Milan Zonneveld.
Arokodare finished the match with four shots, including two on target, and 37 touches. He completed 10 of his 20 passes, won five of six aerial duels and three of 13 ground duels, and recorded one defensive contribution. His aerial effectiveness offered Ajax an outlet in attack, while his clinical finishing ultimately made the difference.
The result strengthened Ajax’s position in the Eredivisie standings, with the Amsterdam club moving into second place on 21 points from 10 matches, according to reports following the fixture.
Arokodare’s goal takes his Eredivisie tally to five this season, further underlining his growing impact in Ajax’s attack. His clinical finishing and aerial presence continue to offer the Amsterdam side an important attacking option as the season progresses.
