Match Report
A fourth victory, but still room for improvement: U19s win in Meerbusch
As expected, Mike Tullberg had to do without Almugera Kabar and Cole Campbell, who were taking part in a friendly match behind closed doors with the first team (editor's note: opponents SC Verl). In addition, 15-year-old Mussa Kaba was initially rotated to the bench in order to manage his workload. For the first time, Diego Ngambia - BVB's top scorer in the U17 Bundesliga last year - was part of the attacking-minded starting line-up. As against MSV Duisburg, Samuele Inacio, 16, who recently signed from Atalanta, played in midfield.
The man of the match in front of a large crowd in Meerbusch was TSV goalkeeper Kalle Grabek, who produced a string of brilliant saves to prevent the newly-promoted team from suffering a heavier defeat. Diego Ngambia gave BVB an early 1-0 lead at the 8th minute and made it 2-0 shortly before the break after a fine piece of combination play spanning the entire pitch (45). Alex Niziolek added the final goal in the 88th minute.
Mike Tullberg was not entirely satisfied with every aspect of his young team's performance in the away win on the Lower Rhine: "I'm disappointed with the way we utilised our chances. We were careless in our finishing," Tullberg commented, adding: "There was a great atmosphere. It was a special match for this club. And you could tell."
Borussia's U19s must defend their top spot in the table next Sunday at home to SV Meppen (kick-off 13:00 CEST). One week later, on 31 August, BVB will face Bayer Leverkusen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal (kick-off 12:00 CEST).
BVB: Lisewski – Rashidi, Meiser, Benkara, Feddersen – Etcibasi (83.,Mahjoubi), Cherny, Inacio (54, Kaba) – Fidjeu-Tazemeta (73, Niziolek), Ngambia, Diallo (83, Burstedde).
(wiwi)