Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare was highly influential in Ajax’s 6-1 thrashing of Midtjylland in tonight’s UEFA Conference League clash at the MCH Arena, reports www.aclsports.com.
The lanky forward had a hand in each of his side’s first three goals, as the Dutch side handed the home side their second successive defeat at home in the competition.
Just nine minutes in, the in-form Arokodare, who had fired narrowly wide via a deflection earlier, headed in Oscar Gloukh’s subsequent corner to hand Ajax the lead. That made it four goals in four consecutive games for the Wolves loanee.
Ajax missed a couple of chances to double their lead, but that did not happen until they were punished by the home side two minutes before the half-hour mark. Nigerian forward Friday Etim rounded Ajax goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen before finishing calmly for the equalizer.
After the home side lost Kjell Watjen to a second booking, it became extremely difficult to contain the visitors in the expected second half. After the break, Ajax were rampant and cruised to a high-scoring win. Abdellah Ouazane squared the ball to Arokodare, who beat the goalkeeper for his second goal of the night to restore his side’s lead.
Arokodare then turned provider for the third goal to put the game beyond the hosts when his smart pass found Wijndal, who finished expertly. Klaassen made it 4-1 before Gloukh joined the scoring act for his side’s fifth of the night. Ajax then made it six in the 82nd minute, when Marcos Leonardo headed in from close range to see out a comprehensive win.
Arokodare, with his three goal involvements on Thursday night, has now made it seven goal contributions (5 goals, 2 assists) in his past four appearances for Ajax.
