Christantus Uche Scores Stunning Goal in Conference League
Christantus Uche produced a moment of brilliance as Crystal Palace took a 1-0 lead at half-time against Finnish side KuPS in their final UEFA Conference League group-stage match at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.
The Nigerian forward scored a Puskas-worthy goal inside the opening five minutes, starting and finishing the move himself to break the deadlock.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner made wholesale changes to his squad, rotating the entire team from last weekend’s match against Manchester City and handing first-team debuts to several academy players.
Uche collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area, cut inside onto his right foot and curled a superb effort with the outside of his boot into the far corner of the net.
Crystal Palace dominated the first half and created several chances to increase their lead. However, Uche’s early strike remained the difference at the interval as the hosts pushed for a top-eight finish to secure automatic qualification for the next round.
The goal was Uche’s second for the club, following a difficult start to life in England. He was recently overlooked in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
