Ghanaian forward Abdul-Aziz Yakubu played a starring role as his team Rio Ave battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sporting CP in the Portuguese league on Sunday evening.
Yakubu, aged 25, showcased his skill and composure by converting two penalty kicks, taking his tally to four goals in just eight games for Rio Ave since his return from a loan spell at Wuhan Three Towns.
The match kicked off with an early lead for Rio Ave, courtesy of Úmaro Embaló’s strike in the 3rd minute. Embaló fired a powerful shot into the top corner of the net from the left side of the penalty area, assisted by Fábio Ronaldo during a swift counterattack.
However, Sporting CP responded swiftly, as Morten Hjulmand leveled the scoreline in the 9th minute with a well-placed shot from outside the box, finding the bottom corner of the net.
As the first half drew to a close, Viktor Gyökeres put Sporting Lisbon ahead with a sensational long-range effort, guiding the ball into the top corner of the goal with his right foot.
Yet, Rio Ave refused to be deterred, and just before halftime, Abdul-Aziz Yakubu calmly converted a penalty kick to bring his team back on level terms, ensuring they went into the break with the score tied at 2-2.
In the second half, Yakubu once again proved his prowess from the spot, confidently dispatching another penalty to give Rio Ave the lead.
However, Sporting Lisbon fought back resiliently, with Sebastián Coates heading home an equalizer from close range, following a precise cross from Hidemasa Morita.
In the end, both teams had to settle for a hard-fought draw, with the match showcasing thrilling attacking play and moments of individual brilliance from players on both sides.
