Kenyan winger sparkless as FC Koln fortunate to draw Mainz in Bundesliga clash

STARS ABROAD Kenyan winger sparkless as FC Koln fortunate to draw Mainz in Bundesliga clash

Mark Kinyanjui 15:11 - 11.12.2023

Maina completed the full 90 minutes but could not help Koln get a win over Mainz in a drub affair.

Harambee Stars prospect Linton Maina clocked 90 minutes under his belt but did not do much to help FC Koln as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Mainz in a Bundesliga clash played on Sunday evening.

Maina touched the ball 40 times and although he did have a pass accuracy of 91 percent and registered a 0.06 expected assists ratio from one key pass, he failed to complete any of his attempted crosses and dribbles.

Born to a Kenyan father and a German mother, the former German youth international has recorded two goal contributions in eight Bundesliga appearances so far this season.

Under the RheinEnergie floodlights, Koln started slightly stronger than their opponents who created their first real chance in the 14th minute. 

Luca Waldschmidt unfurled a powerful strike that needed the intervention of Daniel Batz. Mainz slowly began to grow in confidence and Brajan Gruda’s back post header had to be dealt with by Schwabe.

The injury of Jeff Chabot came as a blow to Koln after the half hour period. However, Die Geissbocke almost took the lead when Thielmann pounced on some slack defending, but Batz was quick to intervene.

The second-half started in a similar manner to the first with chances scarce for both clubs. Jonathan Burkhardt thought he had given his side the lead on the hour mark, but the goal was ultimately chalked off.

 Substitutes rolled on from the Koln and Mainz dugouts respectively, as players like Dietz and Jae-Sung Lee looked to make the difference.

The visitors almost forged a goal through Ajorque in the 74th minute. The Frenchman held off Kilian’s challenge and swiveled to shoot. 

Once again Schwabe stood in the way and saved with an outstretched left leg. Koln side would go one closer, hitting the crossbar when Thielmann’s attempted cross almost caught Batz out.

FC Koln are 16th on 10 points, one point adrift of safety from the relegation places.

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