Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche scored for Crystal Palace in their 2-2 draw against Kups on Thursday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
Uche got a rare start when Crystal Palace welcomed Finnish club Kups to Selhurst Park in their final UEFA Conference League group stage game.
Although the Super Eagles star is generally a second striker or an attacking midfielder, coach Oliver Glasner deployed him as a striker.
That decision paid off just six minutes in, as Uche scored, and it was a peach of a goal. He collected as pass from Justin Devenny in the box and curled a beautiful shot with the outside of his right foot into the Kups net.
The more games Uche plays, the better he’d become. One can tell that the quality is there. This shows some technique. pic.twitter.com/WoF4Am5BsA
— Rilwan Balogun (@Real1_balogun) December 18, 2025
Palace dominated the first half and had more chances, but they failed to convert. At some point, there were fears that Uche had sustained an injury after he went down clutching his hamstring. However, it was just a slight knock and he continued playing.
In the second half, however, they were punished for their complacency. Kups scored twice in the first eight minutes of the second half to turn the game on its head.
But the Eagles equalized in the 77th minute, courtesy of a strike from Devenny, to ensure that the game ended 2-2.
Uche got 77 minutes of action and was replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta. It was a solid performance from the Getafe loanee.
Asides from his goal, he registered two shots, two successful dribbles, and 36 touches.
Christantus Uche's Goal Seals Crystal Palace's Playoffs Place
Christantus Uche goal ensured that the game ended 2-2, which was a disappointing. Nonetheless, they will take solace in the fact that they qualified for the knockout rounds after finishing 10th.
Crystal Palace finished outside the automatic round of 16 positons. As such, they will now play in a playoffs
If they win the playoffs game, they will advance to the round of 16 of the Conference League.
Meanwhile, Uche will be hoping to continue his goalcoring run for the Eagles. It was his second consecutive goal in the Conference League, and he will be hoping that the goals don't dry up.
