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Maina has now made six goal contributions in six 2. Bundesliga appearances for FC Koln this season.
Linton Maina's impressive start to the season for FC Cologne continued in their dramatic 2-2 draw against Fortuna Düsseldorf in the highly anticipated Rhine derby.
Maina, who has been in scintillating form being named the club’s player of the month for August, played a pivotal role once again, contributing both a crucial assist and a brilliant solo goal, further cementing his status as Cologne’s top performer this season.
The match at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, marked by intense rivalry and a charged atmosphere, saw both sides eager to make a statement in Bundesliga 2.
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10:00 - 08.09.2024
Harambee Stars prospect Linton Maina bags award in Germany following fine start to season for Koln
Linton Maina has won the award after making six goal contributions to mark a flying start to the season for FC Koln in the 2.Bundesliga.
Fortuna Düsseldorf, entering the clash as league leaders, were met by a determined Cologne side led by Maina, whose pace and creativity proved a constant threat.
Cologne initially took the lead in the 21st minute when Maina provided a key assist. His precise delivery following a corner allowed Eric Martel to head home and give the visitors a well-deserved advantage.
Düsseldorf quickly responded, levelling the score just four minutes later through Emmanuel Iyoha, but Maina’s influence on the game only grew.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Cologne were repeatedly denied by Düsseldorf goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier, whose brilliant saves kept his side in the game.
Nevertheless, Maina's persistence paid off in the 61st minute when he scored a magnificent individual goal. After receiving the ball deep in his own half, Maina sprinted over 40 metres, cut inside the box, and curled a superb shot into the far corner, putting Cologne 2-1 up.
Maina’s performance was the highlight of the night for Cologne, showcasing his dribbling ability, speed, and lethal finishing. This strike brought his tally to three goals and three assists in just six matches this season, further solidifying his importance to the team's promotion push.
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10:10 - 22.09.2024
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga keeps good post-injury momentum going in Al Duhail's win over Al Saad
The former Gor Mahia man was in impeccable form as Al Duhail sailed to a comfortable 5-1 win over Al Saad on Saturday night.
However, just when Cologne looked to have secured the victory, Fortuna Düsseldorf equalised in dramatic fashion. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, substitute Jona Niemiec's hopeful cross turned into an extraordinary goal, looping over Cologne goalkeeper Jonas Urbig to snatch a point for the home side.
The 2-2 draw, while disappointing for Cologne given their control of the match, could not overshadow Maina’s standout performance.
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