Tolu Arokodare enjoyed a dream start to his Ajax career, providing an assist on his competitive debut as the Dutch giants opened their 2026/27 Eredivisie campaign with a 2-0 victory over PEC Zwolle on Sunday.
The Super Eagles striker was introduced in the 73rd minute and wasted little time making his presence felt, setting up fellow substitute Jorthy Mokio for the opening goal as Ajax eventually overcame a resilient Zwolle side.
Ajax dominated proceedings in the first half and created several opportunities, but the visitors were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.
Their chances of securing all three points improved further 12 minutes into the second half when Zwolle fullback Sherel Floranus was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge, leaving the hosts with 10 men.
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Ajax manager Michel responded by making a triple substitution on the hour mark before bringing on Marcos Leonardo in the 67th minute and Arokodare six minutes later as the visitors looked to make their numerical advantage count.
The decision quickly paid off. Arokodare demonstrated his presence inside the box when he expertly controlled a cross with his chest before laying the ball into the path of Mokio, who fired past the Zwolle goalkeeper in the 76th minute to put Ajax ahead.
The Nigerian forward’s contribution gave Ajax the breakthrough they had been searching for, before Julian Brandt added a second goal in stoppage time with a close-range finish to seal a 2-0 victory.
The result gives Arokodare an encouraging start to life at Ajax following his recent move to the Dutch club, with the striker immediately contributing to his new side’s first league win of the season.
Ajax will return to action on Thursday when they travel to face Shelbourne in the second leg of their Conference League qualifying tie. The Dutch giants take a 3-1 advantage into the away fixture and will be aiming to complete the job and progress to the next round.
Meanwhile, PEC Zwolle will look to bounce back next Sunday when they travel to face FC Twente in their next Eredivisie fixture.
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