Ghanaian sensation Mohammed Kudus made a resounding statement with a stunning full debut for West Ham United, orchestrating a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over FK TSC Bačka Topola in their 2023/24 Uefa Europa League Group A opener on Thursday night.
The 24-year-old, who has been eagerly anticipated by West Ham fans since joining from Ajax, lived up to the hype and left an indelible mark in his first full appearance for the club.
Kudus’ exceptional performance not only displayed his skill and determination but also emphasized his role as a game-changer.
The match at London Stadium had a dramatic turn of events as FK TSC Bačka Topola took an unexpected lead in the 47th minute, exploiting a defensive error.
However, it was Kudus who ignited West Ham’s resurgence.
When asked about his contributions after the impressive win, Kudus humbly shared his perspective: “I’m here to score and create goals, and I’ll keep doing my best for West Ham.”
Regarding the equalizer that was credited to TSC Bačka Topola left-back Nemanja Petrovic as an own goal, Kudus modestly stated:
“It’s hard for me to definitively claim it as mine. The ball brushed against me, and then I swiftly turned, and the ball found the back of the net. My positioning at the back post was crucial, and I had discussed with Saïd earlier in the game that I would be there.”
On his headed goal that came in the 70th minute, Kudus emphasized teamwork:
“We are well aware of James Ward-Prowse’s exceptional delivery skills, and whenever we have a set-piece, it presents a genuine scoring opportunity. On this occasion, I took responsibility, made the necessary run, and it paid off.”
Kudus also expressed his gratitude to the fans, saying: “The support from the fans was truly incredible. Even when we faced adversity, they continued to motivate and rally behind the team. Their unwavering support means a great deal to me, and I am committed to giving my best for the team, as you witnessed today.”
Kudus’ extraordinary
full debut performance not only solidified his status as a rising star but also marked a sensational start in the 2023/24 Uefa Europa League group stages. Having previously scored a hat-trick in his last game for former club AFC Ajax, he now has four goals in the competition this season.
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