London-born Ghanaian forward Kwadwo Duah was on target for Switzerland in a remarkable victory over Hungary in their opening clash of the ongoing Euro 2024.
Duah, who was a surprise inclusion by coach Murat Yakin, justified his selection by slotting home his first international goal, setting the tone for the match as Switzerland battled their way to a 3-1 victory over Hungary at Cologne Stadium.
The Swiss team doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Michel Aebischer found the back of the net, giving Switzerland a comfortable advantage going into the break.
Kwadwo Duah from Ejisu Donyina scores the first goals for Switzerland 🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/bjOAUttNvQ
— Asafopowers🇬🇭🇬🇭 (@Asafopowers) June 15, 2024
Hungary, however, fought back in the second half. Barnabas Varga gave the team hope by guiding Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai’s brilliantly-weighted cross beyond Yann Sommer with 30 minutes left on the clock.
The 27-year-old Duah was in fine form in the recently concluded season, scoring 13 goals in 24 games for Ludogorets in the Bulgarian top flight. Interestingly, the London-born Ghanaian shares the dressing room with Ghanaian striker Bernard Tekpetey, who has also shone for Ludogorets but missed out on a call-up to the Black Stars.
Only three players have scored on their European Championship debut for Switzerland:
◎ Kubilay Turkyilmaz (1996)
◎ Fabian Schär (2016)
◉ Kwadwo Duah (2024)He found the back of the net with his second shot in his second match for his country. 🇨🇭#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/GnH0KHpm1d
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 15, 2024
Despite Hungary’s efforts, Switzerland sealed their victory in stoppage time. Substitute Breel Embolo secured the three points with a lovely lobbed finish over Peter Gulacsi, ensuring Switzerland’s strong start in the tournament.
With this win, Switzerland sit second in Group A, just behind tournament hosts Germany, who thrashed Scotland 5-1. Meanwhile, Scotland remains at the bottom of the group after their heavy defeat.