Aussies abroad: Amini scores in Europa League

Mustafa Amini scored his first goal for Randers overnight as his Danish club progressed through to the next round of UEFA Europa League qualifying on Friday (AEST).

After providing assists in his first two appearances, the 22-year-old this time got his name on the scoresheet netting the first in a dominant 3-0 win over Sant Julia.

The emphatic result completed a 4-0 aggregate win for Randers, who had young Aussie ‘keeper Jack Duncan on the bench.

Amini’s goal proved vital, opening the scoring in a tight tussle just three minutes before the break.

Receiving the ball just outside the box, the ex-Central Coast playmaker skipped past one defender before producing a cool finish underneath the goal-keeper.   

“I am of course also happy that I scored, but the most important thing is the team and we delivered a controlled effort, even though there is room for substantial improvement,” Amini told the club’s website. 

“That also refers to my performance. I am still far from my best form, but I'm working hard in training, and it's going to be really good. 

“I am certainly very happy the beginning here at Randers FC, everyone is nice and have welcomed me, the team looks very promising.
 
”It's always nice to start at a new place with two wins. Now I look forward to the next Europa League qualifying round against Elfsborg and for the Super League to start."

Amini wasn’t the only Aussie to have success in the Europa League with Socceroos defender Tomislav Mrcela’s Lokomotiva Zagreb also advancing.

Holding a 3-1 lead after the first leg, Lokomotiva drew 2-2 at home to advance 5-3 on aggregate, with Mrcela playing a full match for the Croatian side.

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