Chuba Akpom turned out to be a hero as he saved 10-man Ajax from defeat by scoring a late equaliser in Wednesday’s 2-2 Eredivisie draw with Excelsior.
Devyne Rensch put the Dutch giants in front in the 27th minute before misery followed when former Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn was given a straight red card for a foul in the box which resulted in a penalty for Excelsior.
After a lengthy VAR check, the decision to award the penalty stood and Julian Baas converted for the visitors to make it 1-1.
Lazaros Lamprou put Excelsior ahead in the 53rd and just when it seemed Ajax were set to record their eighth league loss of the season and third at home, Akpom, who came on for Brian Brobbey in the 44th minute, scored from a rebound in the 89th minute to salvage a point for his team.
89. GOAL AKPOM! 2-2! #ajaexc pic.twitter.com/WEnCw9W88n
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) April 24, 2024
It was the 28-year-old Anglo-Nigerian’s 10th Eredivisie goal of the season and 14th in all competitions.
The result also saw Ajax maintain fifth spot on the standings which is an Europa League qualification spot.
