Zakaria Aboukhlal scored twice late on as AZ Alkmaar came from behind to defeat ADO Den Haag 2-1 in the AFAS Stadion.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
After the victory over PSV Eindhoven in midweek, AZ Alkmaar were looking to close the gap on the top three even further against ADO Den Haag.
However, despite dominating fully, the hosts couldn’t find the net in a goalless first-half. Myron Boadu went the closest but he hit the bar from close range. At the other end, Vicente Besuijen missed a good chance for the visitors.
AZ continued to look for the opener in the second half, but in the 58th minute, Michiel Karmer slid the ball into the net from close range to put ADO in front.
Pascal Jansen reacted immediately by making a four-man substitution with Jesper Karlsson, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Albert Gudmundsson and Bruno Martins Indi making way for Zakaria Aboukhlal, Timo Letschert, Håkon Evjen and Tijani Reijnders.
The changes had an effect as Aboukhlal equalised in the 72nd minute from a Fredrik Midtsjø cross. AZ then poured forward and Boadu hit the woodwork once again with a low strike against the post.
It appeared ADO Den Haag were going to hold on but in the 89th minute, the ball fell perfectly for Aboukhlal and he found the net via the post to seal the win for AZ.
The victory means AZ are now fifth and four points off Ajax. ADO Den Haag remains second bottom.
Thrilled for Zak! Huge impact from him been working hard past couple season & it’s paying off!