Harambee Stars winger Adam Wilson impressive despite TNS' UEFA Europa Conference League loss to David De Gea's Fiorentina

Harambee Stars winger Adam Wilson impressive despite TNS' UEFA Europa Conference League loss to David De Gea's Fiorentina

Mark Kinyanjui 09:31 - 04.10.2024

Wilson, who was called up to the Harambee Stars squad for the games against Cameroon, impressed although his side TNS fell short to Fiorentina in UEFA Europa Conference league debut.

Harambee Stars prospect Adam Wilson did fairly well but could not help The New Saints avoid a somewhat inevitable defeat to Fiorentina in their first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League clash that took place in Florence, Italy on Thursday night.

Wilson, who was called up to the Harambee Stars squad for their AFCON 2025 qualifying double header against Cameroon, featured for 82 minutes, making two out of three successful takeons and one key pass from a 91 per cent pass accuracy.

The former Newcastle United winger, who is currently back on loan at TNS from Bradford City, has been on good form for the Welsh Giants, scoring twice and assisting once in six league appearances this season.

The New Saints, the first Welsh domestic team to reach this stage of European competition, put up a resilient fight against the Italian giants. 

Holding Fiorentina, who have been boosted by Manchester United legend David De Gea's assurance infront of goal, for more than an hour, the Saints earned respect with their determined and organized approach.

In the opening minute, Wilson and Rory Holden combined to threaten the Fiorentina defense, though they were unable to capitalize. 

From that point, the home side dominated possession, but TNS's deep 5-3-2 formation stifled Fiorentina’s attempts to break through the middle. 

Goalkeeper Connor Roberts kept TNS in the game with crucial saves, particularly denying Christian Kouame and Lucas Beltran.

Fiorentina’s breakthrough came in the second half, following a triple substitution. Yacine Adli and Moise Kean found the back of the net in quick succession, ending TNS's stubborn resistance. 

Despite the scoreline, the Saints’ efforts, led by Wilson’s energetic play, were commendable as they left the Stadio Artemio Franchi with their heads held high.

The Saints will look to build on this performance as they continue their European adventure, with five more Conference League fixtures ahead. For Adam Wilson, this match marked another step in his growth, as he hopes to carry this form into his upcoming international duties with Kenya.

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