Kane nets brace as Tottenham book place in Conference League group stage

Nuno Espirito Santo's men head into Friday's group-stage draw for the inaugural edition of UEFA's third-tier competition after cruising past Pacos  de Ferreira.

England striker Kane had wanted to leave Spurs in the close season for Manchester City, but was denied a move by club chairman Daniel Levy and confirmed earlier this week he would be remaining in north London. He had missed Tottenham's first two games of the campaign to regain full fitness after captaining England on their run to the Euro 2020 final, but made a substitute appearance in a 1-0 win at Santo's former club Wolves last weekend.

Santo gave Kane his first start since taking over as manager and also named him as captain with usual skipper Hugo Lloris rested. The 28-year-old made an almost immediate impact at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, levelling the tie, after a 1-0 first-leg loss in Portugal, in the ninth minute by collecting Bryan Gil's pass and slotting home.

Kane pounced on a loose ball in the box to put Spurs in control 10 minutes before half-time, to the delight of the home fans who had sung his name at Molineux when his future was still uncertain.

Giovani Lo Celso put the result beyond doubt in the second half when his free-kick was headed in by Vitorino Antunes and Kane was replaced by Son Heung-min with 18 minutes left.

It was a much needed victory for Spurs and the result guarantees European football for the club until at least Christmas. Pacos were unable to repeat their heroics of the first leg as they hardly tested Pierluigi Gollini in the Spurs goal and the Portuguese outfit were well beaten.

 

August 26, 2021