Victor Boniface scores match-winner for Bayer Leverkusen despite early penalty miss

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface stole the spotlight in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga on Saturday, netting the winning goal after recovering from a missed penalty.

Boniface, who has now scored seven goals this season, made amends for his earlier miss by heading in the decisive goal in the 71st minute. The Nigerian pounced on a poor clearance from the Frankfurt defence, sealing a crucial win for Leverkusen.

The game didn’t start smoothly for Boniface, as his ninth-minute penalty was saved by goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. The visitors took advantage shortly after, with Omar Marmoush converting a penalty in the 16th minute to give Frankfurt the lead.

Leverkusen fought back, and Robert Andrich equalised in the 25th minute after a neat exchange with Amine Adli and Martin Terrier.

The match saw more drama when Frankfurt protested for a penalty in stoppage time after Hugo Ekitiké was denied by a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky and Jonathan Tah. However, the referee waved play on, much to Frankfurt’s frustration.

Boniface’s header ultimately proved decisive, helping Leverkusen climb to fourth on the Bundesliga table with 14 points from seven matches. His performance highlighted resilience, bouncing back from a missed opportunity to play a crucial role in Leverkusen’s win.

With Boniface in fine form, Leverkusen continues to look strong as they aim to defend their Bundesliga crown.