Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to score an equalizer in the 64th minute as Ajax drew 2-2 with Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Arokodare entered the game in the 62nd minute and made an impact quickly. He netted the goal after receiving a pass from Oscar Gloukh inside the six-yard area.
Julian Brandt had put Ajax ahead in the 32nd minute. But Lennard Hartjes equalized during first-half stoppage time.
Aymen Sliti then gave Excelsior the lead in the 62nd minute before Arokodare stepped up to save a point for Ajax.
The Nigerian had a busy game, finishing with nine attempts, 12 touches in the box, and winning five aerial duels. He almost scored again when he glanced a corner off the left post in the 87th minute.
Ajax dominated the match with 33 shots compared to Excelsior’s four. They also held 80.8 percent possession but could not secure the win. Ajax remains in fourth place, while Excelsior moved from seventh to sixth. Ajax will face NEC Nijmegen next, while Excelsior welcomes Groningen.
Arokodare has now scored five goals in eight games since he joined Ajax on loan from Wolves. His loan deal runs until the summer of 2027, and it includes an option to make the move permanent.
Earlier this week, Arokodare dealt with a fever and did not play in the 5-1 victory over Willem II.
His teammate Kasper Dolberg has expressed a desire to learn from him. "He is a specialist in choosing his position and is a monster in front of goal. I talk to him a lot about that. I need to start scoring more," Dolberg told De Telegraaf.
Former Ajax midfielder Marciano Vink believes Arokodare can score 25 goals in the Eredivisie this season.
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