Ajax clinches Conference League play‑off spot despite 2‑2 draw in Ireland

Ajax secured a place in the final play‑off round of the Conference League after a 2‑2 draw away to Irish (Ierse) Shelbourne, even though they failed to win the match.

Draw at Shelbourne

Ajax took the initiative from the opening minutes, dominating possession with more than 90 percent after the first quarter‑hour but creating little danger until the twentieth minute. Julian Brandt struck the ball dangerously, and Daley Blind cleverly jumped over the intended cross, forcing keeper Eddie Beach onto the wrong foot and conceding the first goal in the far corner.

The early setback appeared to wake the Irish side. A few minutes later, Evan Caffrey tackled Ajax forward Maher Carrizo just outside the penalty area, and a teammate’s follow‑up shot deflected into the left‑upper corner to level the score. The Tolka Park stadium, which holds just under ten thousand spectators, erupted as the fans voiced their displeasure.

Securing the play‑off berth

Ten minutes after the equaliser, Anton Gaaei collected a loose ball and hammered it into the right corner, giving Shelbourne a 1‑2 lead before the half‑time whistle. The second half began cautiously, but midway through the period Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman mis‑controlled an Irish cross, allowing Milan Mbeng to tap the ball home.

Shelbourne’s striker Daniel Kelly saw a goal ruled out for off‑side, and later substitute Sean Moore beat Ajax defender Caio Henrique before slotting the ball into the far corner to complete the 2‑2 draw. Combined with the 3‑1 victory the week before, Ajax’s point total guarantees them a spot in the final play‑off round for the Conference League.

Upcoming clash with FC Sion

De Amsterdammers now face Swiss (Zwitserse) FC Sion in the decisive round for the main tournament, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday 20 August and the return match on 27 August.

Earlier on the same evening, FC Twente also booked their place in the final play‑off round after a draw with Slovak (Slowaakse) DAC 1904.