“Danny Bakker's unfortunate own goal gives AZ the breakthrough against the run of play”
Pivotal“Neville Ogidi Nwankwo deflects into his own net to double AZ's advantage”
Pivotal“Kay Tejan scores immediately after coming on to give Telstar hope”
Pivotal
AZ
Telstar
AZ advanced to the next round of the KNVB Beker with a nervy 2-1 victory over lower-division Telstar, though they made harder work of it than expected. The Eredivisie side benefited from two fortunate own goals in quick succession either side of halftime, with Danny Bakker's 47th-minute mishap followed by Neville Ogidi Nwankwo's error four minutes later. Telstar refused to roll over and substitute Kay Tejan pulled one back just a minute after entering the fray, setting up a tense finale. AZ manager made multiple changes on the hour mark, perhaps showing too much respect to their lower-league opponents, but ultimately did enough to progress in what should serve as a wake-up call ahead of more challenging fixtures.
How entertaining was this match?
AZ Alkmaar host Telstar in the KNVB Beker semifinals with multiple key players sidelined through injury. The Eredivisie side will be heavy favorites despite their depleted squad, having beaten Telstar twice already this season.
