Dutch-born winger of Ghanaian descent, Ernest Poku put up an impressive performance for AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, February 13, 2025, helping the team to hammer Galatasaray 4-1 in the Europa League.
The talented attacker started for the Dutch club in the first leg of the playoff tie and could have netted a brace in the first half.
After not making good use of the chances, Ernest Poku made amends in the second half when he set up a goal to help AZ Alkmaar record the big win.
The match lit up with Sven Mijnans opening the scoring in the 12th minute, curling a superb free-kick into the top left corner. Galatasaray quickly responded through Roland Sallai, who capitalised on a rebound to level the game at 1-1 in the 20th minute.
However, Troy Parrott restored AZ Alkmaar’s lead before halftime, confidently converting a penalty in the 37th minute.
Galatasaray’s troubles deepened in the 51st minute when Kaan Ayhan received a second yellow card, leaving the Turkish giants with 10 men.
AZ Alkmaar took full advantage of the numerical superiority, and in the 58th minute, Ernest Poku set up Jordy Clasie, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner to extend their lead.
David Moller Wolfe then sealed the victory in the 66th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound inside the box and firing home to make it 4-1.
On the matchday, Ernest Poku lasted 83 minutes before making way for Kees Smit.
