Azor Matusiwa’s post‑match interview after Ipswich Town’s 1–0 win over Hull City began with a smile and ended with laughter as chairman Mark Ashton wandered over mid‑conversation, urging him to “tell the truth.” The midfielder couldn’t resist.
“I have to say that Mark Ashton told me that I had to score today,” Azor Matusiwa grinned.
Ashton stepped in, adding, “I said today was his day. Cedric Kipré was my witness. Well done, buddy!”
Asked whether Ashton says that before every match, the chairman shook his head.
“No, today was the day.”
Azor Matusiwa laughed: “He hasn’t told me often! I’m happy he told me. I’m very happy with the goal and happier with the win.”
The winning strike was worthy of deciding any match, let alone a tense promotion clash. After Anis Mehmeti was dispossessed, Leif Davis recovered the ball on the edge of the box and rolled it into Matusiwa’s path. From more than 20 yards out, the Dutchman had only one thought.
He unleashed a rocket into the top‑right corner, leaving Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur helpless.
“I asked for the ball from Leif,” Matusiwa recalled. “We spoke about it during the week, and he told me, ‘Don’t shoot, don’t shoot!’ I thought, ‘I have to shoot!’ I was so close. I thought I was going to look for gold.”
He knew instantly it was in.
“Sometimes you hit the ball, and you know. As soon as it left my foot, I felt maybe it was going to be a goal.”
For Matusiwa, the goal carried personal significance.
“I felt the love from the start,” he said. “From supporters, team‑mates, staff… I felt so welcome. Of course, you want to pay it back. You can do it by playing well, but also by scoring. Maybe it’s better to score in this type of game, where it’s really hard to score and it’s the winner.”
He added: “I think it’s a big moment for me and I’m happy I could give the club something back.”
The celebration was memorable—if not exactly polished.
“I have a celebration for my wife and kid, but everyone was running in,” he laughed. “I wanted to make some space! It was chaotic, but I don’t score every day. I don’t have a really good celebration, just a basic one.”
Asked whether fans should expect more long‑range rockets, the 27‑year‑old burst out laughing.
“No, don’t expect more! I’ll take my chance if I think I can do it, but it’s not my job. I’m there in front of the defence for the clean sheets. A clean sheet, a goal and a win is a perfect evening.”
