UCL Qualifier: Akpom Scores, Esiti Debut as Ajax Hold POAK

UCL Qualifier: Akpom Scores, Esiti Debut as Ajax Hold POAK

By Sampson Adedeji

Actions continued in Europe as the 3rd round qualifier of the UEFA champions league got underway on Tuesday at Paok Arena in Greece which saw Paok Salonika faced last season semi finalist Ajax Amsterdam.

Two Nigeria players Arsenal loanee Chukba Akpom and former Gent midfielder Anderson Esiti were in action in the keenly contested encounter which ended in a draw game.

Esiti joined the Greeks side this summer and has a dream debut on the European with his blistering display.

It was Morocco's international forward Hakim Ziyech that broke the deadlock for the away side 10th minute before Akpom leveled the game in the 32nd minute.

Leo Matos gave the home side the lead in the 37th minute but old war horse Klaas Jan Hunteelar scored in the 57th minute to ensured the game ended in a stalemate.

The second leg is scheduled for Amsterdam Arena next week with winner over the two legs move straight to the group stage of the competition that will start in September.