The AZ U23 team defeated VVV-Venlo tonight. Last Monday, the Alkmaarders still had to share the points with Telstar. Tonight, Iman Griffith and Yusuf Barasi scored to bring in three more runs.
The first danger in Stadium De Koel was created by the striker of the Alkmaarders. With a quick movement, attacker Yusuf Barasi bypassed the Venlo defence. However, his subsequent attempt went just wide.
Insufficient visibility
After fifteen minutes the atmosphere of the tourist office showed itself. Black smoke arose from the stands behind the Venlo goal. The playing field was not sufficiently visible, so referee Robin Vereijken had to interrupt the game temporarily.
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After smoke screen comes rain of opportunity
After a temporary interruption, Jong AZ took the initiative. Soulyman Allouch picked up the ball in the 28th minute. He sent Iman Griffith with a through ball deep. The right winger of AZ then controlled the ball into the long corner. Allouch was able to add his fifth assist of the season with this.
Three times is right
Towards halftime, VVV took over the predominance. Central defender Rick Ketting started from a great distance. Goalkeeper Jayden Owusu-Oduro had a difficult answer to a mop shot. Less than two minutes later, Thijme Verheijen’s next warning shot followed. His shot hit the crossbar. Three times it turned out to be a charm. Captain Sven Braken headed in the 1-1 from a free kick.
The final chord of the first half was again for the promises of AZ. Griffith’s shot was caught by goalkeeper Ennio van der Gouw. Barasi was then unable to work the double rebound either.
Destructive shot
In the second half, the men of trainer Maarten Martens continued in the right direction. A long ball from the back fell again at Barasi’s feet. He was shocked by the chance and failed to score. Four minutes later it was still hit for the nineteen-year-old Turk. A rejected cross fell at his feet, after which he took a devastating blow: 1-2.
In the final phase, the Limburgers got a great chance through the head of Kristófer Kristinsson. His attempt was parried by goalkeeper Owuo-Oduro. It turned out to be the last achievement, because in the four minutes of extra time the Alkmaarders no longer ran into problems (1-2).
Line-up Young AZ: Owusu-Oduro; Dekkers, Engel, Goes, Lathouwers; Koopmeiners (Schouten/65), De Jong, Neighbor; Allouch (Postma/90), Barasi (Reverson/67), Griffith (Pynadath/93).