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Maina plays a role in helping Koln gain vital point for FC Koln against Augsburg in battle against relegation.
Harambee Stars prospect Linton Maina played his part in helping FC Koln snatch a vital point against Augsburg to help them in their battle against relegation from the Bundesliga on Sunday evening.
Maina, who has scored one and registered two assists so far this season, came on as a substitute with 24 minutes to go and produced a fairly creative performance, where he was able to successfully take his man on occasion and also produce one key pass in efforts to keep the side front footed.
The result means Koln are 17th on 19 points, one point behind Mainz, who occupy the playoff position.
Augsburg took up the reigns in an instant as Jess Thorup's side placed Köln under immense pressure.
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14:33 - 31.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Harambee Stars defender Eric ‘Marcelo’ Ouma returns to action after injury
Eric Ouma's return from injury is a significant boost for Kenya ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
So much so that they forged an early 18th minute lead via the boot of Arne Meier. Kevin Mbabu launched the attack that finally arrived at Rubén Vargas who supplied the crucial pass. The German midfielder fired home from 11 metres out.
Die Geissböcke didn't wait around long to respond. Taking advantage of Augsburg's high defensive line, Florian Kainz released Adam yang down the wing.
The Armenian showed a clean pair of heels to escape Uduokhai and cross for Davie Selke who fired to the net from an unmarked position.
An enormous chance fell the way of Thorup's men in the 70th minute. Kevin Mbabu was a thorn in Köln's side all afternoon.
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08:32 - 31.03.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars striker Ayunga's impact limited in St. Mirren's draw against Motherwell
The Harambee Stars striker came on as a substitute but could not help St.Mirren prevent a draw against Motherwell.
The Swiss fullback hared down the right flank to pick out Beljo. An audacious flick towards goal beat Schwäbe but Jan Thielmann was on hand to clear off the goal line. Augsburg failed to make use of their dominance in the closing stages.
Augsburg seized control of the match from the outset as Jess Thorup's side applied relentless pressure on Köln.
Their persistence paid off in the 18th minute when Arne Meier found the back of the net, courtesy of a well-crafted attack initiated by Kevin Mbabu and orchestrated by Rubén Vargas, who delivered the decisive pass to the German midfielder.
However, Köln wasted no time in responding to Augsburg's early lead. Capitalizing on their opponent's high defensive line, Florian Kainz set Adam Yang free down the wing.
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11:06 - 31.03.2024
STARS ABROAD Eric Johana Omondi efforts fall short as UTA Arad fail to clinch victory against U Cluj
Omondi, who was excommunicated from the Harambee Stars camp in the last international break, played the entire 90 minutes but could not help UTA prevent drawing against U Cluj.
With an impressive burst of speed, the Armenian winger left Uduokhai behind and delivered a precise cross to Davie Selke, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the net from an unmarked position.
Despite Köln's swift equalizer, Augsburg continued to press forward, creating a golden opportunity in the 70th minute. Once again, Kevin Mbabu played a pivotal role, marauding down the right flank before delivering a pinpoint cross to Beljo.
However, an audacious flick towards goal by Beljo was cleared off the line by Jan Thielmann, denying Augsburg the chance to regain the lead.
Despite their dominance throughout the match, Augsburg failed to capitalize on their numerous scoring opportunities in the closing stages, ultimately settling for a draw.
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