Nigerian strikers on fire: Victor Boniface helps Bayer Leverkusen nail Stuttgart and win another trophy in Germany; Cyriel Dessers rescues important win for Rangers
Super Eagles star Victo Boniface scored for Bayer Leverkusen in their penalty shootout win over Stuttgart in the German Super Cup on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Bayer Leverkusen squared off against Stuttgart for the German Super Cup at BayArena. Normally, the Super Cup is for the winners of the Bundesliga and the champions of the German Cup. However, in cases when one team wins both, the team that finished second in the Bundesliga will take up the spot. So as Bayer Leverkusen won both titles last season, Stuttgart, who finished second in the Bundesliga squared off against them.
Die Werkself got off to a flying start, as Boniface gave them the lead inside eleven minutes. A ball was swung in from the right of Bayer Leverkusen’s attack, then Edmond Tapsoba got to it at the far post an headed it into the area. It looked like it was destined to be a goal, but Boniface got to the ball and poked it home to make it 1-0.
🚨🇳🇬 GOAL! Victor Boniface with his first goal of the season
— Gh 🇬🇭Najia 🇳🇬Footy (@GHNajiafooty) August 17, 2024
However, Bayer Leverkusen’s lead did not last, as Enzo Millot pulled one back for Stuttgart in the 15th minute. Die Werkself’s problems were further compounded after Martin Terrier got sent off in the 37th minute for a poor tackle.
To stem the tide, coach Xabi Alonso sacrificed Boniface for Jonathan Tah in the 40th minute. Still, they got punished in the second half, as Deniz Undav gave Stuttgart the lead.
It looked like Bayer Leverkusen were going to lose the game, but Patrik Shick turned up clutch, scoring the crucial equalizer in the 88th minute.
The game eventually dragged into penalties, and Bayer Leverkusen triumphed with a 4-3 scoreline.
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Cyriel Dessers proves his worth in Scotland
Elsewhere, in Scotland, Cyriel Dessers got off the bench to inspire Ranger to claim a 2-0 win over St. Johnstone in the League Cup. The Nigerian striker was given a rest after playing back-to-back games for the Gers, but he had to be substituted into the game in the second half because they needed goals.
Dessers got to work immediately, as he scored 15 minutes after he was subbed in. The former Feyenoord man then provided the assist for Ross McCausland, who scored Rangers’ second in stoppage-time.
The win sealed the Gers’ place in the round quarterfinal of the competition.
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