Roman Zozulya scores winner as Dnipro defeat Ajax in quiet Europa League tie

Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk have defeated Ajax by a single goal in an uneventful Europa League round-of-16 first leg.

In the fourth minute, Thulani Serero was one on one with Dnipro goalkeeper Denys Boyko, but the South African failed to find the net with a lobbed shot.

Yevhen Seleznyov then missed the target for Dnipro in the 10th minute after intercepting a stray back-pass, before Yevhen Konoplyanka failed with two efforts.

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Zozulya gave the hosts the lead on the half-hour mark, beating Jasper Cillesen after good work from Konoplyanka unlocked the Ajax defence.

Seleznyov saw his shot saved by Cillesen in the 54th minute, and Zozulya called the Ajax goalkeeper into action again eight minutes later.

Ricardo Kishna forced Boyko into a save with 10 minutes remaining, and Douglas nodded the ball over the bar at the other end.

Ruslan Rotan then directed a tame effort on target before the final whistle.

Dnipro will visit the Amsterdam ArenA for the second leg next week.