Energie Cottbus of the German third tier secured a notable upset in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, defeating Bundesliga side Hannover 96 by a 1-0 margin at home.
The Cottbus team, managed by Pele Wollitz, demonstrated strong commitment from the outset and were rewarded with an early lead. In the 12th minute, Engelhardt, while falling, delivered a pass to Cigerci, who powerfully struck the ball from a tight angle, sending it into the net after it hit the underside of the crossbar.
Hannover struggled to generate significant attacking ideas throughout much of the game. A major opportunity to equalize arose in the 42nd minute when a foul by Pelivan on Pichler resulted in a penalty. Tomiak stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Cottbus goalkeeper Sebald made a crucial save, with Guwara subsequently clearing the rebound to maintain the home side’s advantage going into halftime.
The second half saw Hannover increase their pressure, with Nkili testing Sebald with a powerful shot in the 63rd minute, which the keeper deflected around the post. In the 73rd minute, Oudenne’s long-range effort was miraculously cleared off the line by Guwara.
Despite mounting attacking intent from the visitors, Hannover were unable to break down the determined Cottbus defense.
In other first-round matches, SC Freiburg defeated Sportfreunde Lotte 2-0 and Darmstadt 98 edged past VfB Lübeck with a 2-1 victory.
