DFB Pokal: Victor Boniface’s strike steals semifinal spot for Bayer Leverkusen

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface got off the bench to score the winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in their hard-fought 3-2 win over Koln at the BayArena on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Bayer Leverkusen welcomed Koln to BayArena for their quarterfinal clash in the DFB Pokal. Recall that Die Werkself won the title last year, so they were looking to get a win and continue their push to retain the title.

After starting in Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-1 win last weekend, Super Eagles stars Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface started from the bench.

Victor Boniface scores in Bayer Leverkusen win (Photo credit: Imago)
Bayer Leverkusen were the overwhelming favourites to win, and they dominated the game from the start. However, they failed to score in the first half. Rather, it was Koln who took the lead in the final minute of the first half stoppage time, courtesy of a goal from Damion Downs.

Die Werkself started the second half on top, with Florian Wirtz, Patrik Schick, and Jeremie Frimpong all getting opportunities to score in the first seven minutes. However, they failed to convert.

Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick at Bayer Leverkusen (Photo credit: Imago)
Bayer Leverkusen were eventually punished for their profligacy as Linton Maina scored the second for Koln to make it 2-0 after 54 minutes.

Six minutes later, coach Xabi Alonso introduced Tella into the game. And just a minute after that, Patrik Schick pulled one back for Bayer Leverkusen. Boniface was introduced into the game in the 76th minute, and that added an extra bite to Die Werkself’s attack.

Victor Boniface Bayer Leverkusen (photo credit: imago)
It looked like Koln were set for a big win, but Schick produced a late goal to ensure it ended 2-2 after 90 minutes and force the game into extra time.

Bayer Leverkusen eventually finished off Koln in extra time, and it was Boniface who turned up cluth. The Super Eagles striker scored the winner for Die Werkself in the 98th minute, as it ended 3-2 after extra time.

Victor Boniface winning goal for Bayer Leverkusen in the extra time.

98’ ⚽️

— Back to back goals from injury #AfroBallers #Boniface pic.twitter.com/P63yk0YoX5

— AfroBallers (@afroballers) February 5, 2025

The goal was Boniface’s second goal in back-to-back games for Bayer Leverkusen. He will look to continue scoring goals for Die Werkself.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.