By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Bayer Leverkusen needed extra time to overcome a spirited SC Paderborn side 4–2 in the DFB-Pokal Round of 32 on Wednesday, with Cameroonian forward Christian Michel Kofane playing a key creative role in a dramatic tie at the Benteler-Arena.
Kofane came off the bench to make a decisive contribution, assisting one of Leverkusen’s late goals as the Bundesliga leaders found their rhythm in the closing stages. His smart positioning and precise final ball highlighted the depth and attacking options available to Xabi Alonso’s side.
The match turned on its head after Paderborn were reduced to ten men in the 58th minute. Moments later, Álex Grimaldo fired home a curling free-kick to give Leverkusen the lead, only for Stefano Marino to level at the death with a towering header that forced extra time.
Paderborn’s comeback looked complete when Sven Michel put them 2–1 up, but Leverkusen’s substitutes made the difference. Jarell Quansah equalised, Ibrahim Maza struck in added time of extra time, and Kofane’s assist helped seal the win with a fourth goal from range.
Despite finishing with three yellows and a red, Paderborn earned plaudits for their resilience, while Leverkusen’s 4–2 win continues their rich form in cup competition—now eight goals scored across two rounds.
For Kofane, it was another reminder of his growing influence in Alonso’s squad. The young Cameroonian forward has now contributed directly to goals in consecutive cup appearances, underscoring his emergence as a reliable attacking option in Leverkusen’s quest for silverware.
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