Ghana international Elisha Owusu proved to be the difference-maker for AJ Auxerre in a thrilling French Ligue 2 derby on Saturday by netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner against ESTAC Troyes.
AJA secured a 2-1 victory in their match-day 7 away fixture at Stade de l’Aube.
The opening goal came in rather unconventional fashion when Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Ndiaye inadvertently found the back of his own net in the 21st minute.
While clinging to their slender 1-0 lead, Auxerre introduced Owusu – the 25-year-old Black Stars central midfielder – from the substitutes’ bench in the 75th minute, entering the field as a like-for-like replacement for Gauthier Hein.
However, shortly after Owusu’s introduction, Malian striker Kouadou Jaurès Assoumou levelled proceedings for Troyes.
Elisha Owusu then etched his name into the headlines by scoring the winning goal in the very first minute of added time, skillfully capitalizing on a pass from Gaetan Perrin with a beautiful strike from the edge of the box.
With this crucial contribution, Elisha Owusu now boasts a goal and an assist in seven league outings for AJ Auxerre, who have also extended their unbeaten streak to five consecutive matches.
Also contributing to the winning effort for AJ Auxerre was compatriot Gideon Mensah, who played as the left-back for the entirety of the game and received a caution in the 38th minute.
