Ghana defender Gideon Mensah marked his Bundesliga debut in style as FC Köln secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion.
The Black Stars left-back was handed a starting role by Köln and produced a strong performance as the newly involved German side secured all three points in a five-goal thriller.
Hoffenheim took an early lead through Adam Daghim, leaving Köln trailing at the break despite their efforts to get back into the contest.
The hosts responded six minutes after the restart when Sala El Mala found the equaliser, bringing Köln level and setting up a dramatic second half.
Hoffenheim regained the advantage midway through the half after Ozan Kabak restored their lead.
Köln, however, refused to surrender and produced a remarkable late comeback.
Thijs Dallinga became the hero for the hosts, scoring twice within a ten-minute spell to first level the contest before completing the turnaround with the winning goal.
Mensah remained on the pitch for the entire encounter and impressed with his work on the left flank, earning praise as one of Köln’s standout performers on his Bundesliga bow.
The 28-year-old Ghana international joined Köln during the summer transfer window after leaving French club Auxerre as a free agent.
His impressive debut will provide an encouraging start to his new chapter in Germany as he looks to establish himself as a key member of the Köln defence and continue his development with the Black Stars.
