Awoniyi opens goal account for Union Berlin in Cologne win

Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi has finally opened his goal account for Union Berlin in their Bundesliga gameweek 8 win over 1. FC Köln on Sunday night.

The Liverpool loanee had previously struggled to hit the ground running after his switch to the Eiserne in the summer, failing to make a goal contribution in his opening five league games.

But at the Rhein Energie Stadion on Sunday night, the 23-year-old forward opened the scoring on 27 minutes calmly slotting home from a Max Kruse assist to earn the visitors a lead.

Köln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri however scored an equaliser just nine minutes later. Kruse then bagged an eventual winner for Union Berlin as he smashed in a rebound after goalkeeper Timo Horn had punched the forward’s spot kick in his direction.

Thereafte, Awoniyi’s compatriots, Kingsley Ehizibue and Tolu Arokodare came on for cameo appearances for Köln.

Awoniyi’s goal was his second after 17 Bundesliga games as he was notably on loan at Mainz 05 last season.

The win pushes Union Berlin up the table to 5th place with 15 points after eight games.