Ghanaian trio shines as Crystal Palace overwhelms Crawley Town in pre-season friendly
28th July 2024
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Oliver Glasner embraces Jeffrey Schlupp of Crystal Palace after the team's defeat during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on April 02, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Crystal Palace showcased their offensive prowess in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, defeating Crawley Town 6-3, with Ghanaian players Jordan Ayew, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi all finding the back of the net.
Rak-Sakyi, born in England to Ghanaian parents, scored his first goal just four minutes into the match, doubling Palace's lead after an early opener from Odsonne Edouard.
The summer signing Daichi Kamada then extended Palace's advantage, before Rak-Sakyi added his second goal in the 27th minute.
After the break, Crawley Town's Rushian Hepburn-Murphy narrowed the deficit with a quick-fire brace. However, Ayew responded by scoring to further increase the Eagles' lead.
Crawley managed to pull one back through Jack Roles, but Schlupp, who entered the game in the second half, sealed the victory for the Premier League side with a well-taken finish.
The trio of Ayew, Schlupp, and Rak-Sakyi will join the Crystal Palace squad for their pre-season tour of the United States, as they continue preparations for the upcoming campaign.