The Shepparton export has continued to impress off the bench for Czech Republic club Sparta Prague, and in the final UEFA Conference League clash against Aberdeen ahead of the knockout stage, Kuol secured Sparta’s place in the round of 16.
With three wins, one loss and one draw to the club’s name, Sparta was already well positioned in the table of 36 teams, but with only eight sides able to skip past the knockout play-offs stage into the round of 16, the men in maroon had to secure the three championship points.
Sparta formed an early lead against Aberdeen, a Scottish Premier League outfit, scoring at the 19th and 29th minute mark, entering the halftime break ahead 2-0.
Kuol was substituted into the action following the pause of play, replacing opening goalscorer John Mercado for the next 45 minutes of action.
It was at the 66th minute when Kuol’s impact reached its full height.
A careless, errant pass from the box by an Aberdeen defender was intercepted by Sparta’s Lukás Haraslín, who gave a short pass to Jan Kuchta.
Kuchta threaded a cross in line with the right goal post, where Kuol stood unguarded, with the 21-year-old Shepparton export taking a touch before striking it into the back of the net around a sliding Aberdeen goalkeeper.
It’s Kuol’s first goal for Sparta after making his first start under a month ago in late November, and his timely strike ultimately saw Sparta win 3-0 by the final whistle, advancing the club to fourth on the table and a round of 16 fixture against AEK Athens.
The UEFA Conference League won’t resume until February, while Sparta Prague’s round of 16 clash won’t be until March, providing plenty of time for the club, and Kuol, to reflect on a successful group stage campaign.
Kuol will continue with Sparta Prague in the Czech First League on February 1, with his side currently second on the table.
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