Serie A: Okereke steps up in Dessers’ absence; Ebuehi stars for stainless Empoli

The afternoon was a decent one for Nigerian stars, as they shone for their clubs

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers was unavailable for Cremonese, but compatriot David Okereke filled in perfectly, as he scored in their 2-2 draw at Salernitana.

Dessers was ruled out of Cremonese’s visit to Salernitana on Saturday, but coach Massimiliano Alvini opted for a two-pronged forward line with Okereke and Frank Tsadjout.

Salernitana took the initiative very early in the tie, with Krzysztof Piatek scoring in the third minute to make it 1-0.

However, Cremonese did not take long to respond. Tsadjout played a ball into the path of Okereke, and the Nigerian made no mistake from close range, converting to make it 1-1.

The home side were the better team in the first half, and they regained their lead seven minutes before the break through Lassana Coulibaly.

Cremonese pushed hard for the equalizer but they had to wait till the dying embers of the game.

Luca Zanimacchia was fouled in the box, and Daniel Ciofani took no prisoners, converting coolly to ensure it ended 2-2.

Okereke had a good game, he registered 35 touches, and one key pass in addition to his goal.

Unfortunately for Cremonese, they sit 19th in Serie A, and they are yet to win a game.

 

Meanwhile, at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, Tyrone Ebuehi put in a strong performance in defense for Empoli in their 1-0 win over Sassuolo.

The Nigerian defender recorded 49 touches, and five tackles, and won six of his duels.

Tommaso Baldanzi’s 64th-minute goal ensured that Empoli ran out with the 1-0 victory.