Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare played every minute as Hajduk Split defeated Ajax 2-1 in the UEFA Conference League opening round at Stadion Poljud on Thursday, handing the Dutch club a frustrating defeat despite their dominance of the ball.

Ajax controlled 57 percent of possession throughout the match but struggled to find a way past a Hajduk defence that remained compact and disciplined. Arokodare posed a persistent aerial threat up front, registering three shots over the course of the 90 minutes.

Šotiček the difference-maker

Hajduk took the lead in the 37th minute through a moment of sharp pressing. Marin Šotiček dispossessed Davy Klaassen in midfield, released the ball to Abdoulie Sanyang, and Sanyang drilled a low right-footed effort past the Ajax goalkeeper.

Ajax levelled shortly after the restart when Klaassen made partial amends for his earlier error, converting a low cross from Thilo Kehrer into the roof of the net.

The equaliser lasted less than two minutes. Michele Šego intercepted a loose backpass and squared to Šotiček, who kept his composure to finish calmly past the retreating Ajax defence and restore Hajduk's lead.

Arokodare leads late push

Arokodare drove Ajax's search for a second equaliser in the closing stages, but the Croatian league leaders absorbed the pressure and held on for a famous result — their first victory in the main stage of a major European competition in more than 16 years.

The defeat is an early setback for Ajax in their UEFA Conference League campaign, while Hajduk Split take confidence and momentum into the weeks ahead.