Ajax found it tough going against Almere City right from the start. Even so, the Amsterdam team seemed to get off to a good start, with some great play from Steven Bergwijn. The forward went on the attack entirely by himself, moving in from the left wing and pitching the ball into the far corner. But his effort about ten minutes in just sailed wide.
Ramaj
The home team saw less possession, but did occasionally look threatening on the counter-attack. Diant Ramaj didn't exactly find himself under constant pressure, but the Ajax players didn't have an easy ride. In the first half, only Steven Berghuis and Kristian Hlynsson had decent opportunities to score an opener, but the mere fact that they managed shots at goal from midfield just about summed up the first half.
There was more to see after half-time. Kenneth Taylor came close to making it 1-0, but clipped the inside of the post. That was the wake-up call for Almere City. Although surprisingly the home team went into lead from a fast break. Ajax lost the ball from a corner and less than ten seconds later it was 1-0 to the other team, thanks to Jochem Ritmeester van de Kamp.
Tahirović
Ajax's response was swift, thanks to substitute Akpom. The forward came onto the pitch immediately after that opening goal, and scored within a minute: 1-1. After Brobbey and Akpom both had chances, in the end it was substitute Benjamin Tahirović who scored to make it 2-1. It looked like he'd be man of the match.
Unfortunately though, the midfielder was responsible for a penalty in the final closing minutes. Thomas Robinet called in the debt: 2-2. Ajax is now languishing in twelfth place in the Eredivisie on points.
Ajax are next back in action on 25 November. They play bottom of the table Vitesse at the Johan Cruyff ArenA. Several Ajax players will report for their national team for the international break next week.
