Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare played the full match as Ajax began their UEFA Conference League campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Hajduk Split in Croatia on Thursday.
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The Dutch side struggled to create clear chances at Stadion Poljud, with Arokodare unable to find the net despite getting an early opportunity to put Ajax ahead.
The forward broke away from his marker in the seventh minute, but Hajduk defender Dennis Hadžikadunić recovered quickly to block his effort before he could finish.
Ajax paid for their limited attacking threat when Hajduk opened the scoring in the 37th minute. Abdoulie Sanyang finished a counterattack after receiving a pass from Marin Šotiček.
Captain Davy Klaassen brought Ajax level eight minutes after the restart, controlling a cross from Thilo Kehrer before finishing inside the penalty area in the 53rd minute.
However, the visitors’ hopes of taking control did not last long. Hajduk restored their advantage two minutes later when Šotiček scored from close range, with Michele Šego providing the assist.
Ajax attempted to respond but struggled to create enough clear-cut opportunities to find another equaliser. Arokodare remained on the pitch until the final whistle, while an effort from the Nigerian forward in the closing stages failed to trouble goalkeeper Toni Silić.
The match was also interrupted for several minutes after fireworks were set off by supporters in the stands.
The result handed Hajduk a winning start to the Conference League league phase, while Ajax were left to reflect on a performance in which defensive errors and a lack of attacking sharpness proved costly.
Arokodare will now look to make a greater contribution in front of goal as Ajax prepare for their next fixtures in domestic and European competition.
