Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare made an instant impact for Ajax, scoring and providing an assist as the Dutch giants came from behind to beat FC Sion 4-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie in Switzerland.
Ajax found themselves trailing at half-time but produced a dominant second-half display, scoring all four of their goals after the break, with four different players getting on the scoresheet.
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Marcos Leonardo had Ajax’s first two clear-cut opportunities of the contest, but it was Sion who broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.
Franck Surdez found space inside the box before calmly slotting the ball into the far corner beyond Ajax goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
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Ajax responded strongly after the interval and finally found their breakthrough in the 53rd minute through Julian Brandt. The German midfielder produced a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area to bring Ajax level at 1-1.
Seven minutes later, Marcos Leonardo completed the turnaround, rising highest to head Ajax into the lead and register his first official goal for the club.
Sion, however, refused to surrender and were handed an opportunity to restore parity in the 71st minute after the referee awarded a penalty following a disputed foul by Jorthy Mokio.
VAR reviewed the incident, but the original decision stood, allowing the Swiss side to convert from the spot and make it 2-2.
Ajax immediately responded, and Arokodare needed less than a minute to make his presence felt, as the Nigerian striker had only just been introduced when he rose to head home and restore Ajax’s lead in the 74th minute; just 43 seconds after coming on.
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Arokodare was not finished there, the Super Eagles striker then turned provider, setting up Davy Klaassen, who produced a delightful lob to make it 4-2 with three minutes remaining in regulation time.
The result gives Ajax a commanding advantage heading into the second leg, while Arokodare will take plenty of confidence from a decisive cameo that saw him contribute a goal and an assist, and in return win the man of the match award.
For the Nigerian striker, it was another timely reminder of his ability to make an immediate impact when called upon on the European stage.
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