Africa Cup of Nations bronze winner Bertrand Traore was on target for his Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam in their 2-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie.
Highly rated youngster Kevin Dolberg was also on the scoresheet as Ajax secured the three-points to remain second.
Burkina Faso star Traore was restored to the starting line up by Peter Bosz upon his return from a successful Afcon campaign where he helped the Stallions to a third place finish after defeating Ghana in the 3rd place play off last Saturday.
Occupying his familiar usual spot in the front three alongside Dolberg and Amin Younes the West African star didn’t disappoint as he opened the scoring in empathic fashion.
After receiving the ball from Dolberg near the corner flag, the former Chelsea man twisted and dazzled past three defenders as he made his way to the box before firing a low shot from the edge, leaving Roy Kortsmit rooted in the visitor’s goals.
The strike was the 21-year-old’s fifth of the season in Ajax colures.
Fellow African, Moroccan - Hakim Ziyech- was equally impressive for de Godenzonen. The 23-year-old raced through a few challenges early in the second before laying off to Dolberg who made it 2-0.
Since arriving from FC Twente early in the season, Ziyech –who was a surprise omission from Morocco’s Afcon squad- has made 18 appearances, scored six and assisted a further six.
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Andre Onana - who withdrew himself from eventual Afcon winners Cameroon- also saw the game through as he continue to be Bosz’ first choice goalkeeper. While Guinean Mathias Pogba –brother of Manchester United star Paul and Saint-Etienne defender Florentin- watched on from Rotterdam bench.
Traore is however on loan to Ajax from Chelsea and it remains to be seen if the Dutch giants will look to retain him permanently beyond his loan spell.
