Marcos Leonardo and Tolu break Ajax ducks in win at Sion

Ajax forwards Marcos Leonardo and Tolu Arokodare both opened their accounts for the club during Thursday’s 4-2 Conference League play-off victory away to FC Sion. Their goals helped Ajax take a significant step towards reaching the league phase ahead of the return match in Amsterdam.

Marcos Leonardo opened the scoring by heading in Anton Gaaei’s cross. The Brazilian had failed to convert several opportunities in his first appearances for Ajax, but told supporters afterwards that he was delighted to score his first goal in the shirt. He also thanked the travelling fans and said the team would need their backing throughout the season.

Tolu replaced Marcos Leonardo and needed only 43 seconds on the pitch to register his own first Ajax goal, also with a header. The Nigerian celebrated with an enthusiastic knee-slide and later told De Telegraaf that his reaction was “a flood of emotions”. He then made another important contribution by supplying the assist for Davy Klaassen’s goal, which completed the 4-2 scoreline.

Despite Ajax’s two-goal advantage, Tolu warned that the tie was not yet settled. He said Sion had demonstrated their quality as a team and insisted Ajax would not underestimate the Swiss side in the return leg. The striker hopes Ajax can finish the job at home and celebrate qualification with their supporters.