Getting through to the next round of UEFA Europa League qualifiers was far from mission impossible for Collins Sichenje and his Vojvodina Novi Sad. Even though on the other side were huge favourites in the form of four time European champions Ajax – the Serbian side were only one goal behind after the first leg played a week ago. However, tonight’s match did not have the desired epilogue for the Kenyan defender and his teammates – final score 1-3 to punch a ticket out of the second-best European club competition for Vojvodina and Sichenje.##NAJAVA_MECA_8246153##But the fans of the club from Novi Sad will take some fond memories. With an excellent team performance, especially in the second leg played in Serbia, Božidar Bandović’s team made one of the most trophy-winning clubs in Europe tremble for more than half an hour, Collins and his colleagues had a legitimate right to dream of a miracle. However, young left-back Hato’s measured shot put an end to Vojvodina’s dream. Afterwards, Traore added to the undeservedly high-margin victory of the guests from the Netherlands. That finish is the only flaw in Bandović’s tactical display. Vojvodina fell apart in the finish and spoiled the impression.⚽️ Goal: Josip Sutalo | Vojvodina 0-1 AjaxJosip Sutalo easily put the ball into the net after it bounced off the goalkeeperpic.twitter.com/dwkKI0IYxf— PushGoals (@PushGoals) August 1, 2024 However, in those final minutes of the match, Sichenje’s defensive determination came to the fore – with two massive clearances from the goalline in two seconds, the 20-year-old showed he will be a huge reinforcement for the club that will fight against two powerhouses in the Serbian top tier – Red Star Belgrade and Partizan Belgrade.
The devil was in the details for Vojvodina, but the match against the objectively stronger Ajax, which is in some kind of transition, can help Bandović in assembling the mosaic. Because Vojvodina looked like a serious team this evening, with very clearly divided roles. African players were dominant on the field, Ivorian Sery and Nigerian Bamidele created chances while defensively Sichenje showed that the sports sector and the scouts hit the jackpot.
⚽️ Goal: Bertrand Traoré | Vojvodina 1-3 Ajax | 🅰️ Jorrel HatoTraore makes it threepic.twitter.com/QUdP0LxiG6— PushGoals (@PushGoals) August 1, 2024 There were, of course, moments in which the talent from Butere could have done better – the miscommunication during the corner from which Vojvodina conceded the first goal had to be there, but all in all – Collins Sichenje presented himself as a confident defender, both on and off the ball. The two great reactions on the goalline in the 89th minute, penetrating passes from the backline to the attacking portion of the team, as well as numerous 1v1 situations against Ajax’s attacking players in which he came out victorious will surely boost his confidence for the season that has just begun.UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE – QUALIFICATION ROUNDThursdaySecond legVojvodina – Ajax 1-3 (0-0)/Nikolic 59 – Sutalo 53, Hato 85, Traore 90+2/