Akpom started his Ajax journey on a poor note, but he seems to have come into his own
Nigeria forward Chuba Akpom got off the bench to score a brace for Ajax to help them to a resounding 4-1 victory over Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie, Soccernet reports.
Akpom scored his first goal for Ajax in their 2-0 win over Volendam in midweek. Still, coach Van’t Schip did not include him in the starting eleven for Ajax when they welcomed Heerenveen to Johan Cruijff Arena on Sunday.
Ajax dominated the first half, but Heerenveen showed some signs of promise. Eventually, the Godenzonen raced two a 2-0 lead in the 42nd minute courtesy goals from Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey.
However, the visitors got one back just before the break after a well-placed header from Luuk Brouwers in the 45th minute.
Ajax took their slim lead into the break. But in the second half, Heerenveen looked more threatening, as they had seven attempts on goal.
Akpom was introduced into the game in the 73rd minute in a bid to add some fire to Ajax’s attack, and the Nigerian did his job well.
The 28-year-old scored the third for Ajax in the 84th minute, as he reacted quickest to a rebound in the box and headed home to give the Dutch giants a cushion.
https://twitter.com/FootColic/status/1721219404875046974?s=19
Akpom got his second of the game and Ajax’s fourth in stoppage time. He got on the end of a pass from Steven Berghuis in the box and placed a clean finish into the Heerenveen goal to seal the 4-1 win for Ajax.
https://twitter.com/FootColic/status/1721221402299166980?s=19