N'Kufo double gives Twente advantage

Two second-half goals from Blaise N'Kufo gave FC Twente a 2-1 lead against AFC Ajax in their Dutch play-off final first leg with a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League the prize for the winner.

Suárez opener
In the FC Emmen Univé stadium, temporary host of Twente as their own Arke stadium is being renovated, the Amsterdam side went in at half-time a goal to the good. Top scorer Klaas Jan Huntelaar had headed a good chance into the sidenetting after 38 minutes but seconds before the break Luis Suárez was released by a fine pass from Kenneth Perez and the Uruguayan striker made no mistake.

Second-half turnaround
The advantage lasted until the 64th minute at which point Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen handballed in the area and N'Kufo dispatched the resulting penalty to level the score. Then, 12 minutes later, the Swiss international striker decided the match in Twente's favour as Youssouf Hersi found Stein Huysegems who provided an inviting cross that was finished by N'Kufo.

Sunday return
The decisive return will take place next Sunday in the Amsterdam ArenA. The winner will receive their ticket into the UEFA Champions League qualifying while the loser is at least guaranteed UEFA Cup football next term.