Arokodare bags brace as Ajax seal Conference League spot

**Tolu Arokodare **marked his first start for Ajax with a brace as the Dutch giants secured their place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League with a 5-3 victory over FC Sion on Thursday.

The Amsterdam side completed a 9-5 aggregate victory at the Johan Cruyff ArenA after also winning the first leg 4-2.

Arokodare, who came close to opening his account when he struck the woodwork after the break, eventually got his first goal of the night in first-half stoppage time, firing home from a difficult angle to restore Ajax’s lead.

The 25-year-old Nigerian completed his brace in the 51st minute after a fine move involving Youssef Ouazane and Mika Godts, putting Ajax 4-2 ahead on the night.

He was substituted shortly after the hour mark to a standing ovation, making way for Marcos Leonardo as Ajax comfortably saw out the tie.

Arokodare’s two goals take his tally to three goals and two assists in five appearances across all competitions since joining Ajax.

Ajax made a flying start when Youri Baas opened the scoring after just 33 seconds, but Sion levelled through Winsley Boteli after 19 minutes.

Boteli then put the visitors ahead before Davy Klaassen equalised for Ajax, setting the stage for Arokodare to restore the hosts’ advantage just before half-time.

Arokodare struck again early in the second half before substitute Oliver Edvardsen added Ajax’s fifth.

Boteli completed his hat-trick in the 90th minute, but it was not enough to prevent Ajax from progressing comfortably with a 9-5 aggregate victory.

The result also gives Arokodare an encouraging start to life in Amsterdam, with the Nigerian striker quickly making an impact after his summer move to the Eredivisie giants.