Nigerian Simeon Nwankwo kept Crotone’s survival hopes in Serie A alive after his second half strike earned them a 1-1 draw with hosts Torino at Stadio Olimpico.
The 24-year-old Nigerian replaced Bruno Martella in the 76th minute and became an instant hit five minutes later profiting from Joe Hart’s howler to seal a point for his team.
Relegation-strugglers Crotone came into the match as a side yet to taste defeat in their last two games, and they underlined their impressive form with a stunning performance.
The home fans were agitated with their side’s rather characterless performance, but they did find a breakthrough in the 66th minute, when Andrea Belotti put his team ahead from the penalty spot.
Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men continued to control possession but looked short on energy and ideas in the attacking third, as their hard-fought win over Cagliari appeared to be taking its toll.
The draw means Crotone are five points away from safety. For Nwankwo, it was his first goal of the season having fired blanks in 16 games – with 13 as a substitute.
He would be hoping to continue his new found form when his side travel to Stadio Sant’Elia for Chievo Verona on April 23.
Discussion about this post