Super Eagles midfielder Chrisantus Uche scored for the second consecutive Conference League match on Thursday night, but it was not enough to secure victory as Crystal Palace were held to a 2-2 draw by KuPS at Selhurst Park, Bold Sports reports.
Uche, who led the attack for a heavily rotated Palace side, opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a stunning goal, finishing with the outside of his boot to beat goalkeeper Walter Benitez, giving the hosts an early 1-0 lead.
Oliver Glasner’s side held on to the advantage until the early moments of the second half, when the visitors struck twice in quick succession to turn the match on its head. Piotr Parzyszek drew KuPS level in the 50th minute before defender Ibrahim Cissé completed the comeback just three minutes later, making the scoreline 2-1.
Glasner responded by making a triple substitution shortly after the hour mark, bringing on Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, and Will Hughes. In the 73rd minute, KuPS were reduced to ten men following a dangerous challenge on Will Hughes by Clinton Antwi.
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Minutes after the red card, Crystal Palace leveled the scoreline with Mitchell’s pinpoint cross finding Justin Devenny, who headed the ball into the back of the net, making it 2-2. Glasner followed up with two more substitutions after the equaliser, withdrawing Uche for Jean-Philippe Mateta and replacing George King with Edward Nketiah.
Despite pushing for a late winner, Crystal Palace could not find another goal, as KuPS held firm to secure the draw and finish 22nd in the table, a position that guarantees them a spot in the playoffs.
For Crystal Palace, the draw means they will not qualify automatically for the Round of 16, as they sit 10th in the standings. They will also need to navigate the playoffs to secure a place in the next round.
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