Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score a crucial goal as Ajax defeated FC Sion 4-2 in Switzerland on Thursday night in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie, Trybal News reports.
Ajax found themselves behind at half-time after Franck Surdez gave the Swiss side the lead, but the Dutch giants responded strongly after the break. Julian Brandt equalised before Marcos Leonardo headed Ajax in front.
Sion levelled from the penalty spot through Ilyas Chouaref, setting up a tense final 20 minutes.
Arokodare, who replaced Marcos Leonardo in the 73rd minute, needed only moments to make his presence felt. The 25-year-old Nigerian rose to head Ajax back in front in the 74th minute, putting his side 3-2 ahead.
The Super Eagles striker then played a decisive role in Ajax’s fourth goal, sending a clever ball behind the Sion defence for Davy Klaassen, who calmly finished one-on-one to seal a 4-2 victory.
The performance continues Arokodare’s promising start to life in Amsterdam. The Nigerian joined Ajax this summer on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Dutch club holding an option to make the move permanent.
Arokodare has quickly established himself as an effective impact player for Ajax, having already contributed an assist on his Eredivisie debut against PEC Zwolle earlier this month.
With a 4-2 advantage from the first leg, Ajax will host Sion in Amsterdam next Thursday knowing that they are now within touching distance of the Conference League league phase.
