Ajax secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie, with Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare playing a decisive role in the win.
Ajax started brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute through Abdellah Ouazane, who finished beautifully after combining with Julian Brandt.
Sparta responded in the 43rd minute when Jens Toornstra headed home to bring the hosts level, setting up a tense finish to the first half.
But Ajax had the final say before the break. In first-half stoppage time, Arokodare calmly finished a fast counterattack, restoring Ajax’s lead at 2–1 and giving his side a goal that ultimately proved decisive.
The second half brought more pressure from Sparta, who pushed hard for an equaliser. Arokodare came close to scoring again, but his effort struck the woodwork. Ajax goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen also produced important saves to preserve the visitors’ advantage.
Despite Sparta’s late attempts to rescue a point, Ajax held firm to claim all three points away from home.
FULL TIME: Sparta Rotterdam 1–2 Ajax
22′ Abdellah Ouazane (Ajax)
43′ Jens Toornstra (Sparta Rotterdam)
45+1′ Tolu Arokodare (Ajax)
Another important contribution from Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare!
Football fans, can Arokodare become one of Ajax’s key players this season?