Alou Kuol is officially back in the goals.
The man who set the Central Coast alight in his initial venture in yellow and navy has returned to doing what he does best ― banging them into the back of the net.
Shepparton’s striker sensation was the difference in the Mariners’ 2-1 triumph over Bali United in the Asian Champions League on Wednesday night, scoring the opener and winning a penalty for the match-sealer.
It snaps a lengthy goal drought for the 22-year-old.
Before Wednesday night, Kuol last rippled the net for Central Coast in the side’s Round of 32 Australia Cup tie against Sydney FC in August.
However, it was like riding a bike for the ex-Goulburn Valley Sun with his 13th-minute strike against Bali United taken with surgical precision.
Mariners defender Jacob Farrell cushioned a long ball on the run and jagged inside, slipping a deft pass to the feet of Kuol, who spun, struck and scored all in the one movement.
Bali United replied five minutes later, with Jefferson Assis bursting through and converting for the equaliser.
But Kuol would not be outdone.
As the clock passed the hour mark, Kuol received a ball inside the box and wound up to unleash, but was upended before making contact for a shot.
He palmed the ball off to teammate Marco Tulio, who converted with aplomb from 12 yards to give the Mariners a lead.
Kuol was substituted in the 73rd minute, but the game was as good as won, his side holding on to the advantage until full time.
Central Coast tops Group G of the ACL, with the next fixture slated for November 29 against Malaysian side Terengganu FC in Gosford.
Before then, Kuol’s next chance to feature is in Sunday’s A-League match with the Mariners taking on Brisbane Roar at home.