League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Joshua Ajala scores twice on his West Ham debut at Southampton

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 1:46 AM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

Joshua Ajala scores twice on his West Ham debut at Southampton

Summary

Nineteen-year-old Joshua Ajala made a notable full debut for West Ham United, scoring twice in their 4-1 comeback win against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on August 26. After falling behind early, West Ham leveled with Ajala's first goal just before half-time and he quickly added a second shortly after the break. The match saw West Ham respond emphatically to an initial setback, with goals from Valentin Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen sealing the victory. The result highlights the potential in West Ham's younger lineup as the team seeks to improve after recent struggles in the league.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Ajala scored two goals in his first start for West Ham
•West Ham overcame an early deficit to win 4-1
•The match was part of the Carabao Cup second round
•Bowen and Castellanos also contributed goals
•Nuno's rotation showcases the team's youth depth

Latest Updates

1:46 AMYahoo Sports — Teenager Joshua Ajala Scores Twice on Full West Ham Debut in Comeback Win at Southampton

What they're saying

"
Nineteen-year-old Joshua Ajala had never started a first-team match for West Ham before Tuesday night. By the time he left the pitch at St Mary’s, he had scored twice, turned a losing scoreline around, and handed his manager a selection problem nobody at the club expected to have this early in the season. West Ham…
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

West Ham United EPL Soccer