Europa League: Chuba Akpom hits brace to keep Ajax’s European campaign alive

Chuba Akpom scored a brace to keep Dutch giants Ajax in the 2022/24 European inter-club competition season following their 3-1 victory over AEK Athens in their group-stage game on Thursday night.

The Godenzonen looked set to exit Europe, but a win would guarantee them a place in the Conference League, and Akpom came up clutch for them.

The Nigerian star made the starting lineup as Ajax welcomed AEK Athens to the Johan Cruyff Arena.

With just four minutes into the game, the former Middlesborough striker opened the scoring which was the fastest home goal for Ajax since Luis Suarez’ in 2009, according to Opta.

The lead only lasted six minutes before Athen bounced back to level the scores thanks to Levi Garcia.

Kenneth Taylor restored the lead in the 20th minute before Chuba wrapped up the win with his second and a third in the second half.

The Nigerian attacker received a nice pass from Arjany Martha on the right of the attack, drifted into the box against his marker, and struck a shot that just crept under the AEK Athens keeper and nestled in their net.

The victory takes them to the Conference League, UEFA’s third-tier competition.

The 28-year-old played for the duration of the game, he attempted five shots, two of which were on target while also hitting the woodwork once.

He now has three goals in just one start for Ajax in the Europa League this season.