Just a few weeks ago, Noah Okafor was only second choice at RB Salzburg. In the meantime, the Swiss has become an indispensable part of the Austrian champions’ game. He also proved that in the 1-1 draw against AC Milan.
It is a scene that is emblematic of Noah Okafor’s current form: The Salzburg striker got on the ball in the Champions League match against AC Milan in the 28th minute after a pass from Fernando in the penalty area, slipped the ball through the legs of defender Pierre Kalulu and then also made goalkeeper Mike Maignan look very old with another tunnel.
“The first pickle was deliberate. Then it was just important to get the ball on goal,” the Swiss explained after the match on the “Sky” microphone his world of thoughts before the interim 1:0. “I am extremely happy about the goal. “
Okafor mostly on the bench in August
Just a few weeks ago it seemed unthinkable that Okafor would be in Salzburg’s starting eleven for their Champions League opener. In August, the 22-year-old was only on the bench in three consecutive league games, head coach Matthias Jaissle relied on Fernando and Benjamin Sesko in the attack. It was not until the 6:0 away win against Austria Lustenau on 27 August that Okafor was back in the starting line-up – and apparently convinced his coach completely.
Okafor repaid his faith with goals, scoring in each of the last four competitive matches. Okafor, who spoke of his personal best Champions League game after the match, also verbally underlined his top form: “I tried to play bravely. I feel top fit. “
Okafor: “Can’t blame us for anything “
As Alexis Saelemaekers scored the equaliser for the Italian champions in the 40th minute, Salzburg ultimately had to settle for a point. Like his teammate Nicolas Seiwald, the draw left Okafor with mixed feelings: “It’s a shame it wasn’t enough for three points. But we gave everything and can’t reproach ourselves. It was a super game – we can build on that and move on. We can be proud.”
After the league encounter at SV Ried on Saturday, Salzburg continue in the top flight with an away game at Chelsea FC on Wednesday. The Londoners lost their opening game at Dinamo Zagreb 1-0, and after matchday one there are already signs of an open race for advancement in Group E. Okafor believes his team have a chance: “I am convinced we can spring a surprise. “
