DFB-Pokal: Boniface comes off the bench to score dramatic winner for Leverkusen against Cologne

Bayer Leverkusen are through to the semifinals of the DFB-Pokal after coming from behind to beat FC Cologne 3-2 at the BayArena in Leverkusen on Wednesday night.

Nathan Tella passed a fitness test to be included in Bayer Leverkusen's game day squad and he was joined on the bench by fellow Nigeria international Victor Boniface who is back in shape, having fully recovered from a thigh injury that kept him sidelined for two months.

The Werkself won this competition in the 2023-2024 season as they went unbeaten in all domestic competitions, but Cologne's second goal from Linton Maina in the 54th minute looked like knocking them out.

However, Bayer Leverkusen are the king of comebacks and teams have learnt not to write them off. 

Xabi Alonso's side pulled one back through Patrik Schick, who finished from close range just past the hour mark.

Looking for an equalizer, the Spanish football tactician brought on Tella and Boniface in the 60th and 76th minute respectively. 

Czech Republic international Schick forced extra-time in the sixth minute of stoppage time, heading home from the edge of the box.

Eight minutes into extra-time, Boniface gave Bayer Leverkusen the lead for the first time on the night as he side-footed home from close range. 

With ten goals to his name, Boniface has now hit double digits in goals for the second straight season as a Bayer Leverkusen player, comprising seven in the Bundesliga, and one each in the DFB Pokal, Champions League and German Super Cup.

The Super Eagles striker has made seventeen all-competition appearances so far this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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