Arminia Bielefeld has dumped the duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella out of the DFB Pokal following a nervy 2-1 semi-final victory against Bayer Leverkusen to earn their place in the finals, a historic qualification in the club’s history, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
The defending champions who drew the first blood were shocked as the third-tier German club staged an incredible comeback in front of the roaring home fans to pick their first-ever DFB Pokal finals slot, the first ever since the establishment of the club.
Boniface who featured heavily in the win against VfL Bochum was dropped to the bench as Xabi Alonso’s men took the lead through Tah in the 17th minute but the lead didn’t last long as the host levelled three minutes later, in the 20th minute of the clash. Bielefeld took the lead after few minutes before half-time, they had a last free-kick before the break from the left which was converted by Maximilian Großer putting Bayer 04 2-1 down.
In the 53rd and 77th minute respectively, Boniface and Tella couldn’t inspire the team’s comeback as they ran out eventual losers, failing to defend their crown as they will now turn their attention next to the Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
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