Tolu Arokodare hit a major milestone by scoring his 100th career goal before providing an assist to inspire Ajax to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in their UEFA Conference League clash at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Thursday.
The Super Eagles forward came off the bench in the 66th minute and made an immediate impact, breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute before setting up Abdellah Ouazane’s late goal to seal a crucial victory for the Dutch giants.
Arokodare, who now has eight goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season, delivered a decisive performance as Ajax bounced back from their 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split in their opening match of the competition.
The hosts dominated possession and created several opportunities in the first half but struggled to find a breakthrough, with Atalanta holding firm to keep the scoreline goalless at the interval.
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Ajax continued to dictate proceedings after the restart, although the visitors posed a greater attacking threat as the contest progressed. However, the Dutch side remained frustrated in front of goal until a series of substitutions after the hour mark changed the course of the encounter.
Arokodare replaced Marcos Leonardo in the 66th minute, shortly after Ouazane and Viktor Tsigankov had entered the game for Oscar Gloukh and Davy Klaassen.
The changes eventually paid off in the closing stages, with Arokodare breaking the deadlock three minutes from time. The striker latched onto a long pass from Youri Baas, won a duel against defender Relja Obrić and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi to give Ajax a deserved 1-0 lead.
The Nigerian forward then turned provider in stoppage time, winning possession from another long ball before laying it off to Ouazane. The youngster then drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish to double Ajax’s advantage and secure all three points.
The victory lifts Ajax to 13th in the Conference League standings with three points, while Atalanta drop to 15th following the defeat.
Having reached the landmark of 100 career goals, Arokodare will look to maintain his impressive form when Ajax return to domestic action against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Atalanta will aim to bounce back when they host Frosinone on the same day.
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