It’s fair to say that RFS have found the going rather tough in what is just their second-ever European group stage equivalent campaign, with the Latvian champions heading into tonight still searching for their first victory of this season’s competition. With this in mind, they required a miracle if they were to reach the playoffs, and the visit of an Ajax side who needed to rediscover their form in Europe if they wanted to advance directly to the round of 16 meant their task would be even harder.
The hosts were keen to give their supporters something to cheer about, but they failed to register a shot on target in the first half. Instead, the two big moments in the opening 45 minutes both fell the way of the visitors, with Bertrand Traore’s effort from just outside the area saved by Fabrice Ondoa, before Kian Fitz-Jim fired a loose ball inside the area wide of the right post when he really should have done better.
Having spurned a great opportunity just before the break, Fitz-Jim thought he had given Ajax the lead two minutes after the restart, but Mika Godts was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up to cut the Dutchman’s celebrations short.
Ajax had won just one of their last eight away matches in the UEL, and an opening goal continued to prove elusive as defender Josip Sutalo’s header from a corner was cleared off the line before striker Brian Brobbey’s effort was denied by a great save from the impressive Ondoa.
Having soaked up plenty of pressure, the home side landed the killer blow with 12 minutes remaining when they regained possession to allow Adam Markhiev to advance to within 25 yards of goal, and the Finn directed his precise effort into the bottom left-hand corner to spark scenes of wild celebration.
It was fitting that the heroic Ondoa produced the final moment of note, denying Fitz-Jim again late on as RFS held on to claim a famous victory and ensure they could take something from this UEL campaign, while Ajax are now resigned to the playoffs if they are to advance.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Fabrice Ondoa (RFS)
