Bundesliga
Leverkusen trust in capable Kofane
It's been a memorable week for recent Bayer Leverkusen signing Christian Kofane. A first UEFA Champions League start in the 1-1 midweek draw against PSV Eindhoven saw the Cameroon native celebrate with a maiden competition goal at the BayArena.
That the 19-year-old forward is quickly adapting into his new surroundings following a summer switch from Spanish side Albacete is great news for coach Kasper Hjulmand and the Werkself, who have a void to fill with main striker Patrik Schick sidelined with a thigh injury for the coming weeks.
Kofane rapidly found his rhythm in Germany when debuting with a goal and an assist in Bayer 04's DFB Cup first round triumph against Sonnenhof Großaspach back in August.
Yet it was on learning that he had become the club's youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League at 19 years and 67 days that really had the 6'2" forward beaming on Wednesday night.
"Really?," Kofane asked in disbelief when presented with the impressive stat after the draw. "That's amazing; unbelievable," he added. "I feel happy; I'm happy to help the team. It was my first game as a starter [in the Champions League] and my first goal."
Admitting that cramp reduced his game time to 80 minutes against PSV, the Cameroon U20 international (in unofficial games) should be primed for Leverkusen's weekend test against a Union Berlin side unbeaten in their last two games.
If - as is expected - Kofane begins up front this Saturday, it would be his second start in a sixth Bundesliga appearance this term, and B04 star Álex Grimaldo is confident the teenaged striker can deliver. "He played a great game, scored his goal with ice-cold precision and helped us a lot," the Spaniard said in midweek.
Leverkusen coach Hjulmand is just as hopeful about Kofane and his young players in general, the tactician saying, "I'm very optimistic and believe in them; they have great potential and already have a lot of quality."
A scorer of 77 Bundesliga goals in 148 German top-flight appearances, Schick will undoubtedly be missed by the Werkself as he continues his recovery. However, with the Czech in the treatment room, the message from Leverkusen players, staff and fans appears to be: in Kofane we trust.