Okoye loses flawless record as Sparta step closer to safety

The Nigerian goalkeeper saw his goal post breached for the first time in three games

Maduka Okoye conceded his first goal in his last three matches as Sparta Rotterdam were held 1-1 at home to Heerenveen on Sunday afternoon.

Okoye was named the Eredivisie’s best goalkeeper last month after keeping a clean sheet in each of the two games Sparta played in March.

But a straightforward finish from striker Amin Sarr after lashing onto a long ball forward from centre-back Nick Bakker in the 67th minute of the match-day 28 encounter was the only flaw in another fine display by Okoye.

The Super Eagles goalie made two saves – one of which was from inside the box – and two clearances while claiming one dangerous high ball and completing 59 percent of his passes.

Vito van Crooij had given the home side the lead from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Lennart Thy had missed a similar chance in the first half.

The draw lifts Sparta above Fortuna Sittard into 16th place, the relegation playoff spot, only one point behind Willem II in safety.

The Rotterdammers, however, have two games in hand, though, and could exit troubled waters with a win at Ajax next weekend.