Simy matches Eto’o’s record as he saves Crotone from the jaws of defeat

The Nigerian international scored a last-minute equaliser to salvage a point for the already-relegated Crotone against Benevento

Super Eagles striker Simy Nwankwo scored in added time to help ten-man Crotone play out a 1-1 draw against Benevento in their Serie A clash at the Municipal Stadium Ciro Vigorito on Sunday afternoon.

Crotone had already been relegated, but Benevento were still in with a chance of survival going into Sunday's clash.

Filippo Inzaghi's men started well, and they took the lead through Gianluca Lapadula in the 13th minute. Ten minutes later, they received a huge boost as Crotone were reduced to ten men after Vladimir Golemić was sent off for a professional foul.

However, Benevento could not make the advantage count, and they were left disappointed late in the game as Simy popped up in the third minute of added time to salvage a point for Crotone.

20 – #Simy è diventato il secondo giocatore africano capace di tagliare il traguardo dei 20 gol in una singola stagione di Serie A dopo Samuel Eto’o nel 2010/11 (21 centri con la maglia dell’Inter). Irrefrenabile.#BeneventoCrotone

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 16, 2021

It was the Nigerian's 20th league goal of the season, making him the second African after Samuel Eto'o to reach the 20 goal mark in a single season in the Italian Serie A.

Eto'o scored 21 league goals for Inter Milan in the 2010/2011 campaign- the highest scored by an African in a single season of the Italian top-flight.

20 – #Simy has scored 20 in Serie A 2020/21: the only player to score 20+ goals in a single top-flight campaign with a relegated side on the field was Protti in 1995/96 (24, Bari) – in addition Trezeguet in 2005/06 (23, Juventus) and Bettini in 1954/55 (20, Udinese). Headstrong. pic.twitter.com/UW8L84qYdr

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) May 16, 2021

Simy can match or hold the record outrightly when Crotone host Fiorentina in their final game of the season. The former Gil Vicente forward is also the fourth player to score 20 or more goals for a relegated side in the Italian Serie A.