Amsterdam “Ajax” was ignominiously eliminated from the Dutch Cup after losing to the amateur team USV Hercules with a score of 3:2 in the 1/8 finals of the competition.

Amsterdam “Ajax” defeated “Hercules” with a score of 3-2 in the 1/8 finals of the Dutch Cup

The match was played in Utrecht in front of 23,750 spectators, and USV coach Hercules said his side had a 2% chance of victory.

Midway through the fourth Dutch league, USV Hercules led 2-0 thanks to a brace from Tim Peters (16, 66).

Ajax equalized through Brian Brobby (’83) and Chuba Akpom (’88), but USV Hercules struck the decisive blow through Mats Grotenberg (’90+3).

Michael Valkanis was on the Ajax bench, the head coach (John van’t Schip) was in Australia for his son’s wedding. The second told a press conference about the shameful result.

“This should never have happened. We are very disappointed with the result and the way we presented ourselves. We were too static and although we went up in the last 10 minutes, we were relegated.

There is still a lot to fix, we will continue to work, because it is clear to everyone that we are going through one of the most difficult seasons. However, the technical staff is sure that soon everything will come back to normal” – Michael Valkanis.

Know:

• This is the first time Ajax has lost to an amateur team in the Dutch Cup. In the previous 29 games, the Lancers scored at least four goals.

• 20-time Dutch Cup winners Ajax have been in the relegation zone for most of the Eredivisie season but have now moved up to fifth in the table, 23 points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, writes Agerpres.

• In 2023, Ajax recorded 14 defeats. Only once have the Lancers lost more games in a calendar year: 17 in 1964.