Ajax wins with two striking headers against Telstar and continues to convert

One day after five years ago, Telstar and Ajax met in the KNVB Cup. Then the Amsterdam team won narrowly in Velsen (3-4) and now it was surprisingly close in the Johan Cruijff Arena: 2-0.

The Italian Daniele Rugani broke the spell after halftime in the match between the number two of the Premier League and the number eleven of the Premier League. With the victory, Ajax qualified for the eighth finals.

Ajax does not like to be reminded of one of the biggest shames in club history, the elimination of Hercules by the Utrecht amateurs a year ago. Coach Francesco Farioli thought about it today.

That must not happen again, the Italian told his players. It was not a shame as it was then, but it was not convincing what Ajax showed against Telstar.

In a mediocre first half, the only real chance was for Brian Brobbey. The striker shot wide. With Branco van den Boomen and Wout Weghorst for Steven Berghuis and Brobbey, Ajax started the second half.

Like Brobbey, Weghorst killed an opportunity. He shot wide. In the 64th minute it was finally scored. Rugani headed in a corner kick from Van den Boomen.

The decision was made just before time. From an Anton Gaaei cross, substitute Chuba Akpom beat the strong Telstar keeper Ronald Koeman with a beautiful header.

Just like five years ago, a stunt for Telstar was just not possible.