Ola Aina's Torino and David Okereke's Cremonese share spoils

Ola Aina in action against Cremonese

SERIE A Ola Aina's Torino and David Okereke's Cremonese share spoils

Faruq Ibrahim 22:58 - 20.02.2023

Torino and Cremonese played out a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Ola Aina's Torino and David Okereke played out a 2-2 draw in what was a pulsating affair in which either team went ahead but did not manage to hold on to the lead.

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The Nigerian stars were on opposite sides of a stiffly contested tussle. Torino hosted Cremonense at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino but could not manage to capitalise on the 12th man to pick up all three points.

How it happened

Cremonense started the game with purpose, and they came close to a reward in the first minute of the game from a Marco Benassi shot. The hosts soon steadied themselves as they started to gain control of proceedings and could have gone ahead themselves on an Antonio Sanabria shot but for heroic goalkeeping from Marco Carnesecchi.

Outside of the early flurry, the game was a dull affair in the first-half, yearning for ignition. The match was brought to life when Leonardo sernicola brought down Ivan Ilic in the box. A penalty was awarded, and Sanabria made no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 41st minute of the game.

Cremonese s Frank Tsadjout jubilates after scoring the goal (1-1) during the Italian Serie A soccer match against Torino
Cremonese s Frank Tsadjout jubilates after scoring the goal (1-1) during the Italian Serie A soccer match against Torino

Upon resumption from the break, the hosts unsuccessfully tried to double their advantage before they were victims of a Cremonense sucker-punch as Frank Tsadjout's brilliant technique sent the ball through a curved path before it reached its destination at the back of the net.

The home crowd were further silenced by another stunning attempt from Emmanuele Velri that flew past the helpless Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Torino would be spared the embarrassment of a defeat in the hands of a Cremonense side in search of their first Serie A win this season when a barrage of attacks finally bore fruit as Wilfried Singo pulled the home side level. 

Wilfried Singo got the equaliser for Torino
Wilfried Singo got the equaliser for Torino

The Toro’s came close to ensuring the gutsy visitors came away with nothing from the tie, but a late save by Carnesecchi to deny a Sanabria header helped Davide Ballardini gain a point for their efforts.

The Nigerians on show

It was a tough day at the office for Ola Aina, who was substituted in the 67th minute for Torino's eventual match-hero, Ivorian Wilfried Singo.

Aina did not complete any of the three dribbles he attempted on the day, nor did he complete any of his crosses. He, however, managed to create a chance, complete two tackles, and rack two clearances.

David Okereke in action for Cremonese against Torino
David Okereke in action for Cremonese against Torino

His compatriot David Okereke was in action for longer, spending 80 minutes on the field before he was substituted. It was a forgettable day for the striker, who did not manage a shot on target nor die he complete a dribble.  

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