A sensational hat-trick from Chuba Akpom ensured Ajax Amsterdam put one foot in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League following their huge victory over Jagiellonia Białystok on Thursday evening.
The Dutch giants had to come from behind to beat Jagiellonia in the first leg of the Europa League playoffs, eventually coasting to a 1-4 away win at the Białystok City Stadium. Akpom, who started his fifth game of the season against the Polish side, was the hero of the night after scoring three times to help his side overturn the scoreline.
Ajax made a poor start to the game and were punished after just five minutes when Adrian Dieguez headed the ball home from a rebound after the visitors had failed to clear their lines.
The goal, however, sparked Francesco Farioli's side into life and they deservedly equalised four minutes later following Akpom’s near-post finish. Ajax would then go into the half-time break in front, thanks to Mika Godts’ 27th-minute strike.
Chuba Akpom reminds Ajax of his quality with sensational hat-trick
The second half belonged to Chuba Akpom, though, who made it 3-1 after the hour mark before completing his hat-trick in the 69th minute via a well-taken penalty to give Ajax a healthy lead ahead of the second leg next week.
The Super Eagles prospect’s hat-trick comes as a huge sigh of relief following his struggles in front of goal in recent weeks. Akpom joined Ajax last year and despite scoring 15 goals in all competitions last season, has been out of favour under manager Farioli.
The former Arsenal forward was recently reportedly declared surplus to requirements in the Dutch capital and it didn’t help that he drew blanks in each of the six matches he played this season before Thursday’s Europa League clash against Jagiellonia.
Akpom was replaced by Brian Brobbey in the 72nd minute to a standing ovation, with his hat-trick having served as a timely reminder of his quality.
