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The Super Eagles vice-captain is off to a dream start in his second stint in Italy after Salernitana stunned Lecce.
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong got off to a winning start on his return to Serie A as Salernitana secured a brilliant 2-1 win over Lecce at Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare on Friday night.
Ekong joined Salernitana on a loan deal from Watford this week, with an option for a permanent move in the summer.
Dream start for Ekong
Although the move came as a surprise, it offered Ekong to play top-flight football once again. The Super Eagles star made his debut on Friday night despite only arriving at the club three days ago.
Salernitana coach Davide Nicola did not waste anytime in thrusting Ekong straight into action as he named him in the starting line-up.
In what was Ekong’s second debut in the Italian top-flight, having previously played for Udinese, the Super Eagles defender gave a good account of himself at the back.
Playing in a four-man defence, Ekong made two clearances, five tackles and won seven duels out of eight.
Ekong inspire Garnets to a rare win
Ekong’s performance rubbed off on the Salernitana as they stunned their hosts to pick up their first win in the league since October and their second win on the road.
The Garnets got off to a good start as they took the lead inside five minutes through an instinct finish from Senegal international Boulaye Dia.
Moments later, it got better for the away side Dia turned from scorer to provider to set up Tonny Vilhena for the second.
However, Lecce did not give up easily as they pulled one back in the 23rd minute through Gabriel Strefezza, who finished past Guillermo Ochoa in Salernitana’s goal.
The goal gave Lecce belief, resuming the second half with more purpose in their search for an equaliser. But despite their best efforts, Nicola’s men held on for a vital win that took them to 15th on the table, one point above their opponents.
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