According to the official club site report from Ajax, Jong Ajax secured their first victory of the Keuken Kampioen Divisie season by defeating Helmond Sport 3-2 at Sportpark de Toekomst on Friday, August 28, 2026. Carlos García’s squad built an early two-goal cushion within fourteen minutes through strikes from Pharell Nash and Emre Ünüvar before weathering a persistent comeback from the visiting team.
Early Surge Sets the Tone at De Toekomst
The match opened with a quiet ten minutes before the Amsterdam youth side seized control. In the twelfth minute, according to the main match report, Pharell Nash picked up the ball on the left flank after a buildup from the back. The winger cut inside, bypassed his marker, and unleashed a 25-meter strike into the bottom corner past Helmond Sport goalkeeper Menno Bergsen to make it 1-0.
Just two minutes later, Jong Ajax doubled their advantage. Jano Monserrate supplied a clever pass to Emre Ünüvar, who advanced diagonally toward the goal and hammered a shot into the top short corner.
Helmond Sport Fights Back Before Halftime
Despite a slow start, Helmond Sport capitalized on their first serious scoring opportunity in the eighteenth minute. Captain Brian Koglin rose to meet a right-wing cross, steering a header into the far corner past the Jong Ajax defense to cut the deficit to 2-1.
The visitors leveled the score shortly after the second-half restart. In the 56th minute, a cleared cross fell directly to Sem Dekkers, who struck cleanly into the short corner to make it 2-2. According to Ajax’s official site details, Ryan van de Pavert had nearly put the hosts further ahead moments earlier, only for Helgi Ingasson to intervene just before the goal could materialize.
Diego Pugno Secures the Winner
Jong Ajax responded to the equalizer within eight minutes. In the 64th minute, Monserrate delivered a cross from the right flank toward the front post. Diego Pugno met the ball, executing a skillful back-heel flick behind his standing leg to place the score at 3-2.
Both teams traded attacking opportunities as the match progressed. Levi Acheampong came close to extending the home lead with a long-range effort that struck the crossbar, while substitute Jeshurun Simeon later missed a one-on-one opportunity against Bergsen. In the 79th minute and beyond, manager García introduced fresh legs, including Abdoulaye Camara, who logged his first minutes in the Ajax-shirt as the hosts successfully defended their narrow lead through the final whistle.
Did you know? Jong Ajax’s 3-2 victory marked their very first three-point haul of the new Keuken Kampioen Divisie campaign, following a turbulent six-minute stretch in the first half that ultimately decided the contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Jong Ajax and Helmond Sport?
According to the official match report, Jong Ajax defeated Helmond Sport 3-2.
Who scored the goals for Jong Ajax?
Pharell Nash, Emre Ünüvar, and Diego Pugno scored the goals for Jong Ajax, while Brian Koglin and Sem Dekkers netted for Helmond Sport.
Did any new players feature in the match?
Yes, Abdoulaye Camara made his debut for Jong Ajax as a late substitute.
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