Retired Nigeria international Efan Ekoku reserved special praise for Australia striker Mitchell Duke after he opened the scoring for the Socceroos in their ongoing 2022 World Cup clash against Tunisia at the Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah.

Australia, searching  for their first win in Qatar following the opening day loss to France, started brightly and were rewarded with a goal. 

Midway through the first half, Duke glanced a header into the far corner after Craig Goodwin sent in a cross from the left. 

Ekoku complimented the Australia number 15 for having awareness inside the box, with the ball taking a deflection before he headed it into the net. 

"That is the goal of a marksman, somebody who knows exactly what his position in the penalty box. Instinctive reaction, that's clearly onside, takes a wicked deflection, that just allows the ball to pick up pace," Ekoku said. 

"Lovely little flick over the keeper. Aymen Dahmen has got no chance, always moving away from him into the side netting.

"He's just helping it on his way with some redirection. Quality finish".

According to OPTA, Duke is the second Australian player to score a header at the World Cup, after Tim Cahill who did so in 2010 and 2014 against Serbia and Chile respectively. 

Tunisia posted a shutout in their opening game of the 2022 World Cup, sharing the points with Denmark in a goalless draw. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : footballaustralia.com.au

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