Almere City FC vs Jong Ajax Match Recap - Dec 5, 2025

Almere City FC Stuns Jong Ajax with Late Heroics in Thrilling 3-2 Victory

Almere City FC's late surge secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Jong Ajax, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. This match marked a continuation of Almere's recent resurgence, with Emanuel Poku and Julian Rijkhoff leading the charge. The win propels Almere further away from the relegation zone, while Jong Ajax remains mired in the depths of the standings.

Almere City FC's recent form has been nothing short of impressive, with four wins in their last five matches. The team has found its rhythm, particularly through the contributions of Poku, who has been instrumental in their attacking play. His ability to create chances and score goals has been pivotal, as evidenced by his brace against VVV Venlo just a week prior. In this match, Almere's offensive strategy paid off, as they registered 19 total shots, dominating the attacking metrics against Jong Ajax.

Jong Ajax, on the other hand, continues to struggle despite a recent victory against Vitesse. Their inconsistency was evident in this match, where they failed to capitalize on their possession advantage. Although they held 54% ball possession, they managed only one shot on goal, highlighting a significant disconnect between midfield control and offensive execution. This pattern of underperformance raises questions about their ability to convert possession into meaningful scoring opportunities.

The defensive frailties of Jong Ajax were again exposed, particularly in the latter stages of the match. An own goal from Job Kalisvaart added to their woes, showcasing a lack of composure under pressure. This incident reflects a broader trend in Jong Ajax's recent performances, where defensive lapses have cost them crucial points. Their inability to maintain focus during critical moments has become a recurring theme, contributing to their precarious position at the bottom of the league.

Almere's tactical setup under coach Jeroen Rijsdijk has proven effective, particularly with their 4-2-3-1 formation allowing for fluid transitions between defense and attack. The combination of Rijkhoff and Poku in midfield has created a dynamic partnership that consistently threatens opposing defenses. Their synergy was on full display as they exploited gaps left by Jong Ajax's backline, leading to multiple scoring opportunities.

The late goals from Junior Kadile and Sam not only sealed the victory but also underscored Almere's determination to fight until the final whistle. This resilience is a testament to their recent form, where they have shown an ability to come back from difficult situations. The confidence gained from this match could be crucial as they prepare for their next fixture against Jong PSV U21.

Jong Ajax's struggles are compounded by their disciplinary issues, averaging too many yellow cards per game. This aggressive approach often leads to reckless challenges that disrupt their flow and invite pressure from opponents. The lack of discipline was evident in this match, as they committed 12 fouls, which ultimately contributed to their downfall.

Looking ahead, Almere City FC will aim to build on this momentum as they face Jong PSV U21. With their current form and attacking capabilities, they will be looking to secure another vital three points. Conversely, Jong Ajax must regroup quickly before facing MVV, as they need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a way to convert possession into goals if they hope to escape the relegation zone.

In summary, Almere City FC's thrilling victory over Jong Ajax highlights their resurgence in form and attacking prowess. The match serves as a stark reminder of Jong Ajax's ongoing struggles and the need for improvement if they are to avoid relegation. As both teams look ahead, the stakes remain high in this competitive Eerste Divisie season.