Heartbreak for Awoniyi as Union Berlin’s fairy tale German Cup run ends at Leipzig

The Nigerian and the Berliners’ hopes of laying their hands on a first-ever silverware were dashed at the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday

Emil Forsberg’s stoppage-time goal broke Taiwo Awoniyi’s heart and condemned Union Berlin to a 2-1 defeat in the semifinal of the DFB Pokal at the Red Bull Arena.

Union Berlin have never won the German Cup or any major honour in their history, but the Iron Ones had enjoyed a near-perfect run to the final four of the cup competition.

In his six-year stay in Europe, Awoniyi had also not lifted a title with any clubs he played for. The Nigerian international was aiming to change that story this term, having provided one goal and two assists in three appearances in the DFB Pokal.

But he was kept quiet at Leipzig as second-half goals from Andre Silva and Emil Forsberg nullified Sheraldo Becker’s 25th-minute opener for Union Berlin.

As disappointing a loss as it is for Union Berlin and Awoniyi, it takes nothing away from an excellent campaign that sees the Berliners sit sixth in the Bundesliga standings and potentially still in the race for a top-four finish.

Awoniyi may still be winless at club level, but the Super Eagles striker won the 2015 Africa U-20 Championship with the Flying Eagles two years after lifting the FIFA U-17 World Cup with the Golden Eaglets.