Sion face a difficult task as they travel to Amsterdam to take on Ajax in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off, with the Swiss side needing to overturn a 4-2 deficit from the first leg.

Sion had taken the lead at the Stade de Tourbillon through Franck Surdez before Ajax turned the match around after the break. Ilyas Chouaref then gave Sion hope by converting a penalty in the 71st minute, but Ajax responded with two further goals to secure a valuable 4-2 victory.

The result leaves Sion with a two-goal deficit to overturn in Amsterdam, making this a particularly challenging assignment against an Ajax side that demonstrated their attacking quality in the first encounter.

Maltese international Ilyas Chouaref is expected to feature from the start once again. Chouaref was one of Sion’s brightest players in the first leg and confidently converted the penalty to bring his side level at 2-2. He will be hoping to produce another influential performance and help Sion mount a comeback.

Sion know that they will need a near-perfect performance if they are to progress. Ajax, meanwhile, will look to protect their two-goal advantage and finish the job in front of their home supporters.

For Chouaref and Sion, the challenge is clear: score at least twice without allowing Ajax to add to their advantage. It promises to be another demanding European night for the Maltese international and his Swiss club.