In an action-packed match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom played a pivotal role in Ajax’s 3-1 victory over FC Groningen.
The Anglo-Nigerian striker, who came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, bagged his second league goal of the season in added time, capping off an impressive individual performance.
With the win, Ajax moved up to 5th position in the Eredivisie, with 13 points from six matches.
Ajax were leading 1-0, courtesy of Davy Klaassen’s first-half goal, when Chuba Akpom replaced Brian Brobbey in the 59th minute. Akpom made an immediate impact, forcing Groningen goalkeeper Peter Leeuwenburgh into a save with a shot from a tight angle just a minute after coming on. Groningen leveled the score in the 69th minute when Jorg Schreuders fired a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.
Strong stats and growing influence for Akpom
Akpom was pivotal in earning Ajax a penalty in the 71st minute, drawing a foul from Thijmen Blokzijl in the box. However, Branco van den Boomen's penalty was saved, keeping the match finely poised. Akpom missed a header in the 82nd minute but continued to put pressure on Groningen's defense.
In the 91st minute, Wout Weghorst restored Ajax's lead with a header, assisted by Anton Gaaei's cross. Akpom's persistence paid off in stoppage time when he latched onto a through ball from Weghorst and calmly finished in the 94th minute, sealing Ajax's 3-1 victory.
In just 31 minutes on the pitch, he recorded two shots on target, won a penalty, and contributed five accurate passes. His expected goals (xG) stood at 0.69, underlining his dangerous positioning throughout the game. Akpom has now scored two goals and registered one assist in five Eredivisie appearances this season, showing his potential as a key player for Ajax moving forward.