1.FC Köln survive first-round scare in Sandhausen

Effzeh surged into an early two-goal lead, but the 3.Liga outfit fought tooth and nail to remain in the contest and level matters before the full-time whistle sounded. Ultimately, Mathias Olesen proved to be the hero, striking late in extra-time to cement a 3-2 win.

An astounding six-thousand Effzeh fans descended on Sandhausen to encourage their side in the opening round of the DfB Pokal. Köln’s third corner whipped in by Linton Maina was thumped home by Julian Pauli despite the best attempts of Rehnen on the goal line. Just after the half-hour mark and Maina turned scorer, drilling a low through bodies into the left corner to delight the travelling support. 

Sandhausen refused to give up hope and forged a lifeline when the 3.Liga side were awarded a penalty on the hour mark. Besar Halimi sent Urbig the wrong way to half the deficit. It got even sweeter for Sandhausen late into injury time. Fans in the stand could hardly believe their eyes when Richard Meier wheeled away in celebration. Dominic Baumann managed to cross for the 20-year-old striker to head past Urbig from 6 yards out to bring extra time. 

Two additional periods of 15 minutes built the suspense in the Stadion am Hardtwald. Köln struck the aluminium twice which left both Adamyan and Dietz visibly frustrated. Timo Hübers would also be denied by Stolze who was perfectly placed to head off the Sandhausen goal line. However, Mathias Olesen would be Effzeh’s savour. Heinz hooked the ball back into the area where the Luxembourg midfielder headed beyond Rehnen in the 116th-minute.