Effective AZ partly thanks to 18-year-old star Smit past Fenerbahçe: 3-1

NOS Football•yesterday, 10:52 PM

AZ has won again for the first time in eight games. The team from Alkmaar had three shots on target, but used them all and won 3-1 against Fenerbahçe. The standout was 18-year-old substitute Kees Smit.

The most famous spectator in the Alkmaar stands was Fenerbahçe coach José Mourinho, who received a red card in the match against Manchester United and was therefore not allowed to sit on the bench.

It was not exactly a match with many great opportunities. In fact, after 25 minutes one shot on goal could be counted. AZ was equally dangerous here and there, but the game did not start immediately.

After almost half an hour of play, Edin Dzeko came closest to a goal, but his effort was saved by AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. Moments later, Dzeko had another great chance, but again the 20-year-old goalie kept the ball out of the goal.

Although Fenerbahçe was the stronger team and AZ almost had no chance, it was the team from Alkmaar that took the lead. Sven Mijnans opened the attack on the sideline, and via a beautiful cross from Troy Parrot the ball reached Ro-Zangelo Daal, who made his debut for AZ’s first team and did not miss the opportunity.

The first shot on target was an immediate hit for AZ.

A few minutes later, things immediately seemed to go wrong for AZ, when Mees de Wit hit Dzeko and the ball hit the spot. However, Youssef En-Nesyri’s penalty was saved by Owusu-Oduro.

With more than twenty minutes to go, Smit, who came on in the 64th minute, came close to making it 2-0, but his marker went over the goal. Less than a minute later, En-Nesyri scored the equalizer, from a cross from Dzeko.

An even better revenge came from Smit, who, after a beautiful attack, outwitted defender Rodrigo Becão just in front of the goal with a smooth passing movement and tapped the ball in.

The party was not over for AZ and Smit, because after a beautiful through ball from the youngster, Denso Kasius scored the 3-1.