Two matches – two wins! The Reds came out as winners in their mini-tournament in Portugal. Goals from Huszti and Haggui helped them to a 2-1 win over SC Heerenveen, with the Dutch side replying with Pappa’s goal. Slomka’s side then went on to beat Bayer 04 Leverkusen 2-0 with Kadah and Aycicek scoring in the second the two 30-minute-half matches.




MATCH 1 vs. SC HEERENVEEN

Still without Eggimann and Cherundolo

First up for 96 on Leverkusen’s training compound in Lagos was a meeting with the current 13th-placed side in the Dutch first division SC Heerenveen. The Reds were still without the injured Cherundolo (knee problems) and Eggimann (virus), though new signings Johan Djourou and André Hoffmann did start.

Huszti tries his luck and scores

The Dutch side, managed by footballing legend Marco van Basten, had started the competition with a 0-0 draw against Leverkusen, but began this game strongly with some compact play, although the Reds were still the better side. Just two minutes in, 96-striker Mame Diouf had already tested Heerenveen goalkeeper Vandenbussche. It only took until the 20th minute before Hannover were able to take advantage of an opportunity. Szabolcs Huszti picked up the ball on the half-way line, broke away from his man and tried his luck from 20 yards. The Hungarian’s left-footed shot was unstoppable and flew into the top-left corner. The Dutch side’s best chance of the first half came via Slagveer, but his strike was no problem for 96-keeper Ron-Robert Zieler.


‘Joe’ Djourou once again shows his special potential as an attack-minded central defender 

Haggui in the right place at a corner

The Reds started the second half with a completely new line-up bar Zieler, with the U23s getting their chance. They didn’t waste any time demonstrating their worth either, with Kadah setting up Abdellaoue who just saw his shot saved by Vandenbussche after 34 minutes. Kadah then had a direct effort zip just over the bar five minutes later after good work from Rausch provided the opportunity. A set-piece was needed to add the second goal, and it came in the 42nd minute. Da Silva Pinto’s delivery found Karim Haggui, and the defender’s header found the back of the net to make it 2-0. Soon after, da Silva Pinto was dispossessed and Marco Pappa took advantage of the counterattack to pull one back for Heerenveen. The Dutch team suddenly had a second wind and threatened to level five minutes later. Van Anholt hit the outside netting, a Pappa strike went over the bar and Ziyech’s weak effort was dealt with in a short spell of pressure from van Basten’s side. Hannover got back in control for the final stages, though da Silva Pinto’s effort from range and Nikci’s harmless effort failed to add to the scoreline in a game where new signings Djourou and Hoffmann put in solid performances. The only downside was that youngster Ali Gökdemir had to leave the pitch shortly before the end with a suspected torn muscle in his right thigh.

Hannover 96 (1st half): Zieler – Sakai, Djourou, Schulz, Pander – Schmiedebach, Hoffmann, Schlaudraff, Huszti – Diouf, Sobiech
Hannover 96 (2nd half): Zieler – Chahed, Löhden, Haggui, Gökdemir – Schünemann, da Silva Pinto, Nikci, Rausch – Abdellaoue, Kadah

SC Heerenveen: Vandenbussche - Streutker, Raitala, Otigba, Heerkes - van Anholt, Zuiverloon, Ziyech, De Ridder - Pappa, Slagveer

Goals: 1-0 Huszti (20’), 2-0 Haggui (42’), 2-1 Pappa (46’)


MATCH 2 vs. BAYER 04 LEVERKUSEN

Tournament decider

Almost straightaway, the Reds went into the tournament decider against the Bundesliga’s second-placed side Bayer 04 Leverkusen who could only manage a goalless draw against SC Heerenveen. Mirko Slomka made yet another almost complete rotation at the half-time whistle. The 96-defence had to be fully concentrated against a customary skilful Leverkusen side. Good work at the back from Hannover ensured there was little getting through for Lewandowski and Hyypiä’s team. It was 96 who worked first real chance of the game, with Abdellaoue’s low shot flying just wide of the right-hand post after 12 minutes. Shortly before that, Kießling had a chance for Leverkusen on the counter, but hit his effort well over the bar.


First match, first assist: André Hoffman’s cross found Aycicek to put the Reds 2-0 up against Leverkusen

‘Second string’ comes up trumps

The game really came to life after the changes as a number of the Reds’ reserves took to the field. It was this group that decided the game as well. After Pander fired over from a free kick, it was Deniz Kadah who put 96 into the lead. After interplay with Schmiedebach, the 18-time goalscorer for the third division side smashed an unstoppable effort from the right-hand side of the area just under the crossbar. Minutes afterwards, U23 goalkeeper Samuel Radlinger was thrust into the action. The young Austrian made a strong save from Sam’s long-range shot, from the unmarked Aydin and then again from a deflected Rolfes’ effort. In the 53rd minute, the Reds showed their opponents how it was done. New signing Hoffmann crossed from the right wing for Deniz Aycicek, who neatly controlled the ball before curling an effort past Bayer’s goalkeeper Yelldell to make it 2-0 to Hannover. Sobiech nearly added a third but his effort went just wide of the post. The game finished soon afterwards though, as Hannover secured their second win in their mini tournament in Lagos.

Hannover 96 (1st half): Miller – Chahed, Haggui, Djourou (44’ Löhden), Rausch – Schmiedebach, da Silva Pinto, Schlaudraff, Huszti – Diouf, Abdellaoue
Hannover 96 (2nd half): Radlinger – Sakai, Schulz, Djourou, Pander – Schmiedebach (44’ Schünemann), Hoffmann, Aycicek, Nikci – Sobiech, Kadah

Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Leno (31’ Yelldell) – Carlinhos (48’ Aydin), Friedrich, Toprak, Boenisch – Kohr, Reinartz, Rolfes, Sam, Schürrle – Kießling

Goals: 1-0 Kadah (38’), 2-0 Aycicek (53’)

Oliver Rickhof, Christoph Heckmann and Felix Janoschek reporting from the training camp in Portugal. Translated by Matt Hardy and Jonathan Harding.