Ajax lost 2-1 to AZ in a practice match on Thursday afternoon. The only goal of the Amsterdam club was made by defensive midfielder Donny Warmerdam. Fredrik Midtsjö and Mohamed Taabouni ensured with their goals that AZ stepped off the field with a small victory. All goals came in the second half, though. Owen Wijndal returned to the Alkmaarders after being absent for two months due to a groin injury. The left back spent a total of 45 minutes with the winning team.
The Amsterdam club entered the friendly meeting on Thursday without, among others, the the Dutch internationals Jurriën Timber, Daley Blind, Devyne Rensch, Ryan Gravenberch and Steven Berghuis. There were basic places at Ajax for, among others, Perr Schuurs, Zakaria Labyad, David Neres and Antony, who was the star of the reigning national champion against Vitesse (5-0) last Sunday. The practice match was finished on the training field of AZ.
Antony had a large share in Ajax’s opening goal in the 65th minute. The Brazilian appeared on the left, served Warmerdam and watched his teammate score the 0-1. Ten minutes later, Midtsjö slalomed through the Ajax defence, only to beat Remko Pasveer with a punt. Taabouni was the match winner when he managed to finish face to face with Pasveer in a controlled manner.
AZ setup: Vindahl; Witry (46. Taabouni), Letschert (65. Peer Koopmeiners), Beukema, Martins Indi, Wijndal (46. Sugawara); Midtsjö, De Wit (65. Sedlacek), Clasie; Reinders, Oosting.
Ajax setup: feather; Mazraoui (74. Van Gelderen), Schuurs, Musampa, Douglas (84. Dirksen; De Waal (84. Van der Sloot), Warmerdam, Labyad; Antony (74. Giovanni), Danilo, Neres.