André Ayew scored his first goal for Dutch club NAC Breda in a fascinating 3-3 draw with league giants Feyenoord. The result, while entertaining, leaves the home side still searching for a crucial victory in their fight for Eredivisie survival.
The 36-year-old veteran, who joined NAC Breda as a free agent in January after a period without a club, found the net with a well-placed header just before halftime. The goal, which came from a pinpoint cross by former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby, gave the home side a 2-1 lead at the Rat Verlegh Stadium.
Feyenoord, currently sitting second in the league, had taken the lead in the 19th minute through Japanese striker Ayase Ueda. The lead was short-lived, however, as fellow Ghanaian Kamal Sowah leveled the score for NAC Breda just three minutes later, setting the stage for Ayew’s moment.
Ayew’s goal was a significant moment in his personal comeback trail. Having joined the club in January, he has been working his way back to full match fitness. He made his debut in a goalless draw against FC Groningen, and this goal against one of the Netherlands’ top teams is a clear sign that he is finding his rhythm.
Despite taking the lead, NAC Breda could not hold on. Feyenoord fought back in the second half, with Ueda scoring his second goal of the game to secure a share of the points. The 3-3 draw leaves NAC Breda in a difficult position, still occupying 17th place in the 18-team Eredivisie and firmly in the relegation zone.
Speaking after the match, Ayew expressed his satisfaction at getting off the mark but admitted to mixed feelings about the result.
“I’m very happy to score my first goal, and I hope it’s the first of many,” Ayew said. “It’s always important to score goals when you are an offensive player. Sometimes you have to be patient and calm. I knew it was going to come.”
He was quick to highlight the quality of the assist from Holtby but lamented that his goal wasn’t enough for a much-needed win. “It was a great cross from Lewis to put this ball at the back of the net, but I have mixed feelings a bit because I wish this could have gotten us three points,” he explained. “We had a few situations in the second half where we could have scored, but I think it’s a fair point for both teams today. Everybody could have won, everybody could have lost. We need to continue like this because we have a very big game coming up.”
For Ayew, the goal is a welcome boost in a long and distinguished career. The experienced forward has played for top clubs across Europe and the Middle East, including Marseille, Swansea City, West Ham United, Fenerbahçe, and Nottingham Forest. He also remains one of the most important figures in Ghana football, with over 120 caps for the Black Stars.
As he re-establishes himself in the Dutch top flight, his contribution will be vital for NAC Breda’s battle to avoid relegation. The team will be hoping that Ayew’s first goal is indeed the first of many as they head into a critical run of fixtures.