RIJSSEN (DA) — Nigel Thomas scored ADO Den Haag’s equalizer, but his team was eliminated in the first round of the Eurojackpot KNVB Beker on Tuesday after losing 6-5 on penalties to Excelsior ’31.
Thomas created space for himself and placed a shot into the corner in the 57th minute to make it 1-1. Schrijver had put the hosts ahead in first-half stoppage time with a deflected header from a corner.
Thomas also helped create a chance before halftime, combining with Hokke in the 36th minute, but Hokke’s shot went narrowly wide. Eduardo replaced Thomas in the 73rd minute.
ADO had several opportunities to settle the match after his departure. Reimink saved Bal’s effort from a Peupion cross in the 80th minute, and Jiménez struck the crossbar eight minutes later. Rottier then hit the post during the second half of extra time.
Excelsior ’31 also came close to regaining the lead shortly after Thomas scored, when Seppenwoolde hit the post. The teams remained level after 120 minutes.
ADO coach Robin Peter made 10 changes from his weekend lineup. Goalkeeper Niclas Thiede made his official debut and produced a diving save to deny Ter Haar before the hosts opened the scoring.