Tolu Arokodare hailed as ‘Ajax favourite’ after dramatic Excelsior equaliser

Ajax were held to a 2-2 draw by Excelsior at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday, with Dutch newspapers saying the Amsterdam club had wasted a valuable opportunity in the title race.

The home side dropped important points after failing to convert a series of chances, despite the immediate impact of Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare, who came on as a substitute and scored the equaliser.

“Ajax stumble again against Excelsior in thrilling match, despite spectacular introduction of Tolu,” wrote Algemeen Dagblad.

The newspaper said Michel Sanchez’s team had shown “good things at times”, but were punished by conceding another goal just before half-time and by failing to take advantage of numerous opportunities.

Arokodare was singled out for his decisive contribution after entering the match. The striker was greeted by a huge roar from the Johan Cruijff ArenA crowd and made an instant impression.

“By the time the favourite Tolu came on at Ajax, he had just been welcomed by an immense explosion of joy from the crowd,” Algemeen Dagblad reported.

“The Nigerian striker immediately demonstrated his talent: one minute after Excelsior’s 1-2 goal, he equalised with a subtle deflection following a fine move by Gloukh. The Johan Cruijff ArenA erupted with joy once again.”

Ajax then pushed for a winner, with Arokodare at the centre of their late attacking effort.

“Driven on by Tolu, Ajax did everything to claim all three points,” the newspaper added. “The Ajax players created several clear chances in the final 20 minutes.”

Oscar Gloukh struck the post, while another effort from Arokodare was cleared off the line as Ajax were denied a comeback victory.

The 2-2 result left the Amsterdam side with only one point from the match, after Excelsior had twice taken the lead. Dutch coverage focused on the contrast between Ajax’s missed chances and the immediate influence of Arokodare, whose introduction helped revive the hosts but could not secure the three points.