Ghanaian youngstar Don Angelo Konadu announces himself as Ajax cruise past Excelsior in Cup Rout

Don Angelo Konadu marked a significant milestone in his young career by scoring his first senior goal for Ajax as the Amsterdam club swept aside Excelsior with an emphatic 7–2 victory in the second round of the Dutch Cup.

The 19-year-old winger, eligible for Ghana, delivered a composed first-half finish in a performance that underlined Ajax’s attacking depth and secured their place in the round of 16.

Ajax set the tone early, asserting control from the opening exchanges.

Their dominance was rewarded in the 12th minute when Owen Wijndal broke the deadlock, converting a neatly weighted pass from Mika Godts to give the hosts an early advantage.

The pressure remained relentless, and just seven minutes later Anton Gaaei doubled the lead, further stretching Excelsior’s defensive structure.

Konadu’s breakthrough moment arrived midway through the first half. Having already been lively on the flanks, the teenager seized his opportunity with a confident strike that made it 3–0, drawing an immediate response from the crowd.

It was a goal that reflected both his sharp movement and growing belief, qualities he has consistently shown with Ajax’s reserve side.

The first-half scoring was not finished there.

On the stroke of half-time, Jorthy Mokio added a fourth, ensuring Ajax went into the interval with a commanding cushion and full control of the contest.

By then, the tie appeared effectively settled.

The second half unfolded at a faster, more open tempo, with both teams committing numbers forward.

Ajax continued to find space and capitalise on it, with Mokio grabbing his second of the night before Rayane Bounida and Raul Moro added further goals to stretch the margin.

Excelsior did manage to respond, with Devin Plank and Jannick Verbont finding the net to provide moments of consolation, but the outcome was never in doubt.

Konadu remained involved until the 72nd minute, when he was withdrawn for Pharell Nash after a productive and disciplined display.

His contribution went beyond the goal, as he worked diligently off the ball and linked play effectively during Ajax’s most fluent passages.

Having progressed steadily through the ranks, the Dutch-born Ghanaian has been a regular feature for the club’s reserve side and continues to show signs of maturity beyond his age.

His latest appearance will only strengthen his case as a player pushing closer to consistent first-team involvement.

For Ajax, the result confirmed their superiority and ensured a comfortable passage into the next round of the competition.

For Konadu, the evening carried personal significance, marking the moment he opened his senior scoring account in emphatic fashion.

As the cup campaign continues, Ajax move forward with confidence, buoyed by a performance that combined experience with youthful energy.

Konadu’s first goal now stands as a reminder of the emerging talent within the squad and a glimpse of what could lie ahead.