Ernest Poku scores and grabs an assist in AZ Alkmaar's win against Ilves

Ernest Poku lit up the AFAS Stadion with a standout performance as AZ Alkmaar stormed past Finnish side Ilves 5-0 in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League second-round qualifier, sealing an 8-4 aggregate victory.

Backed by home fans, the Dutch-Ghanaian winger played the full 90 minutes and left a lasting impression. Poku assisted Troy Parrott’s opener in the 22nd minute with a smart cut-back and then got on the scoresheet himself, slotting home in the 36th minute to make it 3-0.

Parrott had doubled the lead just four minutes after his first, pouncing on a pass from Mees de Wit. Denso Kasius added a fourth before halftime, and Dani de Wit capped off a dominant display in the 74th minute.

AZ controlled the game with 57% possession, unleashing 28 shots, 16 of them on target. Ilves, who had won the only previous meeting, struggled to respond.

Poku’s electric pace and sharp instincts thrilled the home crowd and underlined his rising influence.

AZ Alkmaar now shifts focus to a friendly against OFI Crete on August 3.

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