Heartbreak for Taiwo Awoniyi as penalty contribution not enough for Union Berlin at Frankfurt

The former Liverpool signing thought he had done enough to help his side earn a share of the spoils but a last-gasp condemned the Berliners to defeat

Taiwo Awoniyi delivered another lively and energetic performance for Union Berlin, but the Iron Ones fell 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park on Sunday.

The one-cap Super Eagles striker has been one of the Bundesliga shining stars in the first half of the season, netting eight league goals for Urs Fischer’s side.

Awoniyi, alongside Max Kruse, led the line again for the Iron Ones, but midfielder Djibril Sow capped a fine start to the match with the opening goal for the hosts in the 22nd minute.

But Awoniyi could have equalised for the visitors almost instantly, but goalkeeper Kevin Trapp saved his right-footed shot from the centre of the box.

The Eagles held on to their slim advantage for 40 minutes before Awoniyi won a penalty for Union Berlin. The Nigerian international raced on to an inch-perfect Julian Ryerson through-ball only to be upended by Frankfurt’s Evan N’Dicka.

German attacker Max Kruse stepped forward to send goalkeeper Trapp the wrong way and drag the Iron Ones back on levelled terms.

Union Berlin head coach Urs Fischer allowed Awoniyi 15 more minutes on the pitch before replacing him with Andreas Voglsammer as the Berliners looked to play out for a draw.

But Frankfurt won the same fixture last season 5-2 and they ensured the Iron Ones left with no joy yet again as Evan N’Dicka headed home a 95th-minute winner off a Filip Kostic cross.