WATCH: Afner Ca scores brace as Newcastle U21s dominate in Premier League Cup win
Newcastle United Under-21s kicked off their Premier League Cup campaign in style on Friday night, cruising to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Luton Town at Whitley Park.
It was a professional performance from the Young Magpies, with summer signing Afner Cá scoring twice and Henry Johnson also impressing with a goal and an assist from right-back, just months after featuring in preseason at centre-back.
Ca scores twice in comfortable Newcastle win
Newcastle took the lead in the first half when Johnny Emerson’s dangerous cross was turned into his own net by Luton defender Dempsey Crace.
Henry Johnson doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, heading home from a free-kick before Cá took centre stage in the closing stages.
The young striker signed from Levante made it 3-0 in the 77th minute, cutting inside from the right before unleashing a powerful effort into the roof of the net.
Just five minutes later, he grabbed his second of the evening, reacting quickest after Sam Alabi’s effort came back off the post to tap home from close range. Watch both of his goals below.
Luton scored a late consolation through Jack Lorentzen-Jones, but Newcastle comfortably saw out the contest to begin their Premier League Cup campaign with three points.
Newcastle United Under-21s: Aidan Harris,Henry Johnson, Dylan Charlton, Miodrag Pivaš (Guy Bloomer 81), Logan Watts, Scott Bailey (c), Johnny Emerson (Kyran Thompson 62), Jayden Kouossu (Sam Alabi 69), Afner Cá, Matheos Ferreira (Alfie Seldon 69), Kyle Fitzgerald.
Subs not used: Alex Walpole, Issac Moran, Alfie Hutchison.
Afner Ca impressing since summer arrival
Cá is already giving Newcastle supporters plenty of reasons to be excited about his potential.
The 19-year-old joined the Magpies’ Academy last summer following the expiry of his contract at Spanish side Levante, and the young forward is beginning to make his mark at Under-21 level.
Standing at around 6ft 4”, Cá has the physical presence to trouble defenders, but there is more to his game than simply being a big striker. He is mobile, can carry the ball into dangerous areas and has shown an eye for goal since arriving on Tyneside.
Friday’s brace follows his recent goal in the EFL Trophy, with the teenager continuing to take his opportunities as he adapts to English football.
His first against Luton was particularly impressive, showcasing his ability to cut inside and generate real power with his left foot. The second demonstrated the instincts needed from a centre-forward, following up Alabi’s effort and reacting quickly to the rebound.
At just 19, Cá still has plenty of development ahead of him, but his early performances suggest we may have an exciting attacking prospect on their hands.
If he continues to build on this promising start, the Guinea-Bissau forward could become an increasingly important figure for Robbie Stockdale’s Under-21s this season.
