AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens has praised Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Sadiq for his decisive performance in the Dutch Eredivisie opener, where he scored the match-winner in a 1-0 victory over Almere City. Sadiq found the back of the net just four minutes into the game, continuing his strong form from the end of last season. Martens described Sadiq’s goal as “a nice reward” for his efforts since joining the club in September 2023. The Right to Dream Academy graduate is poised for a standout season. The match was fiercely contested, with three red cards issued, including one to an AZ player. Sadiq was substituted in the second half by Dutch-born Ghanaian winger Ernest Poku.