Okafor's Late Goal Saves Milan From Defeat Against Sassuolo

AC Milan players celebrate Noah Okafor's goal (left) in the match against Sassuolo in Serie A Italy. (X/@acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan almost fell if Noah Okafor did not save him. In the Italian Serie A match against Sassuolo at the Stadio Mapei - Citta del Tricolore, Sunday, April 15, 2024 evening WIB, Milan always fell behind before finally drawing 3-3.

Milan almost lost twice in a row. Previously, Milan were forced to give up 1-0 against AS Roma in the first match of the Europa League quarter-finals.

When returning to compete in domestic competitions, Milan again experienced difficulties. Even the Rossoneri were 3-1 behind before finally equalizing and winning a point from the away match

The result made Milan, who are in second place, get 69 points, six points ahead of Juventus with six games remaining.

Meanwhile, Sassuolo is in second place from below with 26 points. They are in danger of dropping caste and competing in Serie B next season.

In that match, Milan did not expect to face stiff resistance from Sassuolo. Even Stefano Pioli's team were frustrated by the difficulties of facing the hosts,

Milan dominated the game but missed a chance to win the game after Samuel Chukwueze's goal was disallowed for offside.

In addition, Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli made some good saves, especially a sensational save at the start of the match when he thwarted Malick Thiaw's header.

Sassuolo himself surprised Milan after Andrea Pinamonti, who was not escorted, struck the ball from close range when the game had only been running for four minutes. A goal came after he met a good cross through the heel by Kristian Thorstvedt.

Winning 1-0 made Sassuolo even more excited. As a result, only six minutes later, Armand Lauriente doubled Sassuolo's advantage.

This started with Lauriente's attempt to successfully fire a shot into the net. His shot could be blocked by goalkeeper Marco Sportiello.

But the ball moved wildly and bounced towards the Sassuolo striker to be resolved easily.

Milan tried to get up. Winger Rafael Leao managed to revive Milan's chances.

He did a solo run by going through two opposing defenders before scoring in the 20th minute. The score changed 2-1 for Sassuolo and lasted until halftime.

In the second half, Milan played more aggressively. But Sassuolo did not remain silent. Evidently, the hosts managed to add more goals after Lauriente scored a brace in the 53rd minute.

Milan refused to give up. Their attack finally paid off after striker Luka Jovic reduced the position with a shot from Jaka near the 60th minute.

Sassuolo looked exhausted towards the end of the game, with Milan creating several chances but Consigli remained strong.

However, in the 84th minute Okafor successfully broke into Sassuolo's goal which changed the score to 3-3.

The draw lasted until the end of the match and saved Milan's face. Now, the Rossoneri focus on facing Roma in the second match of the Europa League quarter-finals.