Kenyan International Eric Johana bags goal, 2 assists in UTA Arad massive win
Kenyan international Eric Johana put on a stellar performance on Thursday, leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Otelul in the Romanian Super Liga play-off match at the Francisc von Neuman Stadium.
Johana, playing on the right wing, contributed two assists and scored a goal, guiding his side back to winning form after two consecutive losses.
Eric Johana opens floodgates
The match remained goalless through the first half, but in the second half, Johana found the back of the net in the 62nd minute after a setup from Kevin Luckassen. 
The Kenyan midfielder, whose goal was disallowed by VAR in the previous game, then turned provider by assisting Luckassen for the second goal.
He later set up Rares Pop for the third goal before Otelul's Juri Cisotti pulled one back.
Johana, a former Mathare United player, has played the full 90 minutes in each of his last five matches, accumulating 1,575 minutes across 23 appearances. He has scored four goals in the run.
His journey to Romania began after he left Muangthong United in Thailand in October 2023. At 29 years old, Johana signed a two-season deal with UTA Arad, aiming to make a significant impact and contribute to the team's success.
UTA Arad have a rich history, having been established in 1945 as IT Arad. The club has achieved considerable success in domestic competitions, winning six national titles and two Cupa României trophies.
Despite setbacks, including relegation to the second division in 1979 and dissolution in 2014, UTA Arad has staged a remarkable comeback, returning to Liga I in 2021 after starting from Liga IV.
Eric Johana home ground
The club plays its home matches at the modern Francisc von Neuman Stadium, inaugurated in 2020, which symbolizes its resilience and ambition for future success.
UTA Arad also have a heated rivalry with nearby SSU Politehnica Timișoara, with matches between the two clubs known as the West Derby. These intense fixtures are a highlight of Romanian football, adding to the excitement of the league.
