Dapo Afolayan: Ex-Chelsea starlet bags brace as St. Pauli sink Holstein Kiel in seven-goal thriller

The Anglo-Nigerian followed up on his performance against Eintracht Braunschweig to score twice against the Storks

Dapo Afolayan was on song twice as St. Pauli recorded a 4-3 victory over Holstein Kiel in Friday’s German second division fixture.

Still basking in the euphoria of his goal against Eintracht Braunschweig the last time out, the 26-year-old found the net against the Storks – a result that did their Bundesliga ticket ambitions a lot of good.

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— FC St. Pauli (@fcstpauli) February 23, 2024

Having hammered Paderborn 4-0 in their last outing, Marcel Rapp’s Kiel welcomed the Neighbourhood Kickers to the Holstein-Stadion – however, they crumbled before their home fans.

After a cagey start to life, it was the visitors who took the initiative with Afolayan putting them ahead after 11 minutes.

Profiting from an assist from Philipp Treu, the former England C player placed the ball past goalkeeper Timon Weiner.

They doubled their advantage in the 34th minute with Conor Metcalfe setting up Marcel Hartel, while Afolayan completed his double two minutes later.

The hosts – despite looking dead and buried – bounced back to life in the second half with Shuto Machino’s effort. However, Conor Metcalfe restored the three-goal lead three minutes before the hour mark.

Joshua Mees and Alexander Bernhardsson registered their names on the scorers’ sheet, but that could not prevent St. Pauli from securing all the points at stake.

Afolayan – who played for represented Chelsea, Toronto FC and Barnet at youth level – was replaced by Lars Ritzka in the 77th minute.

This result is a massive boost for St. Pauli as they remain on course for a return to the German elite division. After 23 outings, they have accrued 48 points. Next up for them is a trip to Schalke 04 on March 1.