AMSTERDAM (DA) — Curaçao defender Deveron Fonville returned to action Saturday, starting and playing the full match as NEC drew 1-1 with Ajax at the Johan Cruijff Arena.
Fonville had been sidelined since injuring his shoulder against PEC Zwolle on Aug. 29. As previously reported by Deporte Awe, coach Dick Schreuder initially expected him to miss several weeks.
His comeback brought him straight into NEC’s starting lineup, and he remained on the field through the final whistle as the Nijmegen club earned a point away from home.
Tjaronn Chery converted a 19th-minute penalty after Noé Lebreton was fouled, canceling out Ajax’s early lead. Goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz later made key saves to preserve the draw.
NEC next hosts Levski Sofia on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League.