Christantus Uche continues to make a strong case for himself in Europe, finding the net again for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League, while Monday Etim also made his mark with a key contribution on another dramatic night on the continent.

Uche is rediscovering his rhythm at Crystal Palace, thriving in an advanced role as he scored once more in Thursday night’s Europa Conference League clash against Finnish side KuPS, Footballrover reports.

Christantus Uche Finds Goals in New Palace Role

Despite opening the scoring, Palace were unable to protect their lead and settled for a 2–2 draw at Selhurst Park after a late rally.

The 22-year-old Nigerian, deployed as a forward in Palace’s 3-4-3 setup, has now scored in back-to-back Conference League matches.

His first goal arrived in the 3–0 win over Shelbourne, where he opened the scoring. The attacking midfielder has logged 166 minutes in the Europa Conference League, operating as a forward for Crystal Palace.

It was only his second start of the season, but he wasted little time repaying the trust shown in him.

Uche struck in the sixth minute, curling a composed finish into the corner after a smart assist from Justin Devenny.

The Super Eagles forward remained influential for 77 minutes before making way for Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Palace Let Early Advantage Slip Against KuPS

Crystal Palace controlled large spells of the first half, but KuPS returned with more urgency after the interval.

Piotr Parzyszek levelled the score in the 50th minute, before Ibrahim Cissé completed the turnaround moments later to put the visitors ahead.

KuPS looked on course for victory until the game swung again in the 73rd minute, when Clinton Antwi was sent off.

Palace capitalised quickly, with Devenny registering his second goal involvement of the night after being set up by Tyrick Mitchell.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but the contest ended level, leaving Palace 10th position in the league-phase standings with nine points from six matches.

Uche’s recent form comes despite missing out on Eric Chelle’s 28-man Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2025, with Muhammed Usman, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi preferred.

Uche has featured just three times for the Super Eagles so far — twice in friendlies, a 2–2 draw with Jamaica and a 1–1 draw with Russia, plus one appearance in a World Cup qualifier, the 1–1 draw against South Africa.

Etim Creates Breakthrough but Craiova Fall Late

Elsewhere in the Conference League, Monday Etim delivered an assist for Universitatea Craiova, though his contribution proved insufficient as his side suffered a painful 3–2 defeat to AEK Athens.

The Nigerian forward played a key role in Craiova’s early success, setting up Stefan Baiaram for the opening goal in the 30th minute.

Craiova extended their lead before the hour mark through Alexandru Cicaldău, leaving AEK facing a steep task.

Etim, who was replaced after 66 minutes, has now contributed directly to goals in the competition and remains an important attacking outlet for the Romanian side.

His overall season tally stands at six goals across all competitions.

AEK Athens Stage Dramatic Stoppage-Time Comeback

AEK responded in the 66th minute through Domagoj Vida, shifting the momentum as the pressure mounted late on.

Deep into stoppage time, Dereck Kutesa struck the equaliser in the eighth added minute, sending the home fans into celebration.

The drama peaked moments later when Luka Jović completed the turnaround in the 15th minute of added time, sealing a stunning victory and leaving Craiova stunned after holding a two-goal lead.

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Last Updated on December 19, 2025 9:17 am by footballrover