Super-sub salvages a point for NEC Nijmegen | OneFootball

Koki Ogawa changed the game in the 73rd minute with a glancing header, earning NEC Nijmegen a 1-1 draw at Sparta Rotterdam.

Ogawa's impact was instant and precise. He attacked Kodai Sano's set-piece delivery to steer his header into the bottom right corner (73.), punishing a defence that had struggled with second balls at corners.

He threatened again soon after, lifting a left-footed effort over the bar from the centre of the box (78.). Then he drew a foul to relieve pressure and keep NEC up the pitch (86.).

The Japan international finished with two attempts, one on target, four touches in the box and three aerial duels won in just 22 minutes, plus he won possession four times. The data underlines a classic centre-forward cameo: penalty-area presence, repeated movement and a clean finish when the chance arrived.

Introduced after the hour, his runs between centre-back and wing-back gave NEC a direct outlet and sustained territory. That movement repeatedly disrupted Sparta's line and ensured NEC controlled the key late phases.

NEC Nijmegen are up to third in the Eredivisie, rising from fourth, and visit Ajax next. Sparta Rotterdam go to AZ.