Kusini Yengi’s impressive scoring form continued for Adelaide United this pre-season after converting a header in a 2-0 friendly win against Western Sydney Wanderers on Monday evening.
Yengi is determined to carry his scintillating start into the A-League 2020/21 campaign after bagging his fifth goal in four games.
Speaking to AUFC Media, the 21-year-old striker praised the team’s application and admitted his delight in finding the back of the net again.
“It was a really good game,” Yengi said.
“I think everyone did well as a team, we worked really hard and pushed ourselves to our limits.
“It was good to get on the scoresheet again, just get myself into the box and I’m lucky that I’ve got good teammates that find me.”
Yengi believed facing A-League opposition for the first time this pre-season has provided a more accurate indication of where the squad is at and what needs improvement.
“All our previous pre-season games have been against NPL teams,” he said.
“It was nice to play against an A-League team and test where we are really at so far this season.”
Yengi was on target in pre-season friendly games against local South Australian National Premier League sides, Adelaide Blue Eagles and Adelaide Comets – scoring a hat-trick against the latter last week.
This time against the Wanderers he rose highest to head home Ben Halloran’s pinpoint cross on 15 minutes, before Nathan Konstandopoulos secured the victory with a sensational free-kick near full-time.
“I was quite happy, I feel like I’m getting better every game,” Yengi revealed.
“I’m getting more minutes into my legs, gaining fitness and I’m just trying to improve.”
The precocious forward made three A-League appearances last season after showing real promise for the Young Reds prior to joining the senior team.
However, he has largely experienced an interrupted start to his professional career due to injury.
Yengi was confident those setbacks are behind him.
“The last two years I’ve been quite unlucky with injuries and little things that have popped up and prevented me from playing,” he continued.
“But now I’m fit and healthy and I’m looking forward to working hard this season and cementing my place in the team.”
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