Entering the cut and thrust in the 60th minute, Alou Kuol’s headed double propelled Central Coast Mariners to a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Western United on Sunday night.
The spectacular brace sent his Mariners atop of the A-League ladder.
It also had the 19-year-old Shepparton product hit the golden boot standings’ apex with five goals from seven games.
His first, the equaliser, was exquisite.
His second, the winner, upstaged the first.
Still clearly spellbound by his own magic at the final whistle, Kuol reflected on the electric performance with exhausted satisfaction.
“I enjoyed (the game) very much … two goals to come from behind,” he said.
“I love a good header; I’ve scored more goals with my head than my feet.
“It’s been drilled into us since pre-season, that hard work is going to get us there, and that’s what we showed today.”
The former Goulburn Valley Sun wasted no time shouldering the task of dragging the Mariners back into the contest upon being introduced at 2-1 down.
Holding his position at the back post, Kuol stood and delivered from a corner, guiding the ball into the opposite side of Filip Kurto’s goal on the 77th minute mark.
Four minutes later his second came.
Ghosting in at the front post, Kuol met fellow substitute Daniel Bouman's incisive delivery with a diving header, leaving Kurto smarting and the stands frenzied as the ball hit the back of the net once more.
Such a blinding start to his A-League career rightly brought about questions of national allegiance, and when quizzed about his designs, Kuol expressed interest of representing Australia should the tap on the shoulder arrive.
“As a young kid you always want to play in Europe,” he said.
“I just want to keep playing, get better and just develop this year and keep getting game time.
“I’m more than happy to represent any country that offers me something. If Australia wants to offer me (a spot in the) Olympics, I’d be more than happy to represent this beautiful country.”
Lastly, in an emotional tribute, Kuol signed off with a salute to his home town.
“I’ve got a lot of love for Shepparton. I just want to make all my family proud, and my friends.”
● The nation’s next chance to catch Kuol in action arrives on February 14, when the Mariners take on Wellington Phoenix at WIN Stadium.
More local sport
Troy lays siege to GVBBL batsmen
AFLGM planning for anything ahead of season
Shepparton South to go north for FFA Cup bout while Tatura draws bye
Shepparton United upsets Numurkah in Haisman Shield
13°C