In an intense Premier League 2 showdown at the Lancashire FA County Ground, Daniel Nkrumah’s stunning strike wasn’t enough to save Middlesbrough U-21 from a narrow 3-2 defeat against Blackburn Rovers U-21.

The game kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead. Harrison Wood struck early in the 8th minute, giving Blackburn the upper hand. Middlesbrough’s forward line, led by the dynamic Daniel Nkrumah, responded immediately with a spell of pressure. Nkrumah came close to an equalizer but was denied by Blackburn’s formidable goalkeeper, Jack Barrett.

Undeterred, Nkrumah found his moment in the 17th minute. Rising to meet a corner, the English-Ghanaian forward smashed a breathtaking strike into the top corner, leveling the match and showcasing his clinical finishing.

The first half ended with both sides battling fiercely for control, but Blackburn regained the lead early in the second half, with Wood completing his brace. Middlesbrough fought back, and in the 85th minute, Ajay Matthews slotted home to reignite Boro’s hopes of a comeback.

Just as the visitors seemed poised to snatch a point, Exauce Mafoumbi unleashed a spectacular long-range strike in the 87th minute, sealing a dramatic win for Blackburn.

Though the match ended in disappointment for Middlesbrough, Nkrumah’s all-round performance and sensational goal stood out as a silver lining in an otherwise frustrating evening for his team.