AZ advance in Dutch Cup

AZ Alkmaar needed extra time to make a difference against Jong Ajax and advance to the third round of the Dutch Cup. Excelsior won 7-6 on penalties after an incredible 6-6 draw at amateur side Haaglandia.

After a goalless 90 minutes at DSB stadium, AZ soon decided the clash in extra time thanks to substitute Moussa Dembele. The attacker first scored in minute 91, and added another three minutes later. The Ajax youth team lacked the energy to react, allowing the hosts to advance to the next round.

The match between Haaglandia and first division side Excelsior was one to remember. The visitors from Rotterdam took a quick lead with goals from Nieveld and Fernandez, but Renfurm pulled one back in the 23rd minute.

Janota restored the gap two minutes later for a 1-3 lead, but Haaglandia seemed unbeatable after the break with goals from Sensoy, Schotman and Stoffels.

Only a goal from Leen van Steensel saved Excelsior in minute 88 and took the game into extra time. Keyzer and Sensoy soon gave Haaglandia a 6-4 lead, but a penalty goal from Alisic and an equaliser from Ard van Peppen in the 120th minute meant that penalties were needed to decide which team was to advance from this memorable encounter.

Excelsior were the better side in that shoot-out, beating Haaglandia 7-6 to reserve a spot in the next round.