Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho enjoyed memorable outings on Sunday, scoring crucial goals to help Ajax and Bursaspor secure important away victories in the Netherlands and Turkey, Footynaija reports.
Arokodare struck the winner as Ajax defeated Sparta Rotterdam 2-1 at Het Kasteel, while Iheanacho continued his remarkable scoring run in Bursaspor’s 4-2 triumph over Ankara Keçiörengücü in the Turkish second division.
Ajax took the lead against Sparta in the 22nd minute when Abdellah Ouazane finished a move involving Julian Brandt.
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The hosts responded shortly before half-time through Jens Toornstra, who celebrated his 500th Eredivisie appearance by heading home the equaliser in the 43rd minute.
However, Ajax restored their advantage in first-half stoppage time. Brandt led a swift counter-attack before Arokodare calmly slotted the ball into the far corner in the 45+1st minute.
The Nigerian striker came close to scoring again after the break but struck the woodwork as Sparta pushed for another equaliser.
Marc-André ter Stegen produced important saves to protect Ajax’s lead under sustained pressure, ensuring the visitors claimed all three points and moved up to second place in the Eredivisie standings.
In Turkey, Iheanacho continued his prolific start to life at Bursaspor by scoring in their victory over Ankara Keçiörengücü.
Amine Boutrah and Lewis Baker gave Bursaspor a two-goal advantage before an own goal and a strike from the hosts brought the contest level.
Iheanacho restored Bursaspor’s lead in the 50th minute, extending his scoring streak to 12 consecutive matches since joining the club on a free transfer from Celtic.
Lincoln added a fourth goal in the 66th minute. Although Bursaspor later had a player sent off, they held on to secure the win.
Iheanacho’s tally now stands at 16 goals in 12 games this season, putting him comfortably at the top of the division’s scoring charts and helping Bursaspor climb to the summit of the league table.
