Ajax dropped points against Excelsior once again at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, with Míchel Sánchez's side forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. Ajax also failed to beat the Rotterdam outfit last season.
Ajax dominated throughout and deserved more from the match. There appeared to be little cause for concern when Julian Brandt opened the scoring after just over half an hour. Earlier in the game, Kasper Dolberg had already struck the post.
Just before half-time, Excelsior hit back with their first shot on target. Following an unfortunate deflection involving Viktor Tsygankov, the ball fell kindly for Lennard Hartjes, who finished clinically to make it 1-1.
The visitors' second shot on target also resulted in a goal. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Aymen Sliti turned in a cross at the far post. Ajax responded immediately through substitute Tolu. After meeting an Oscar Gloukh delivery, the striker produced a superb piece of footwork before firing emphatically past Stijn van Gassel.
Unlucky in front of goal
The Excelsior goalkeeper then played a crucial role in preserving the 2-2 scoreline for the visitors. Ajax were also unfortunate in front of goal, with both Gloukh and Tolu striking the woodwork.
Due to the international break, Ajax will not return to VriendenLoterij Eredivisie action until 10 October.
Ajax - Excelsior 2-2 (1-1)
32. Brandt 1-0
45+1. Hartjes 1-1
62. Sliti 1-2
64. Tolu 2-2
Ajax: Ter Stegen; Gaaei, Kehrer, Baas, Henrique (23. Wijndal), Mokio (76. Amrabat), Klaassen (77. Ouazane), Brandt, Tsygankov (61. Edvardsen), Dolberg (62. Tolu), Gloukh
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