Hoffenheim Vs. Mainz, 2012 Bundesliga: Mohamed Zidan Scores Again

Mainz forward Mohamed Zidan scored his third goal in as many matches to earn the visitors a hard-fought point away to Hoffenheim.

The Egyptian international made the transfer back to Mainz from Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window, and he hasn’t stopped scoring since his return. All three of Mainz’s matches since re-acquiring Zidan have ended with 1-1 draws. Zidan has been the goalscorer in all three.

The match didn’t start well for Mainz, as Hoffenheim were on the front foot early. Neither side jumped into the attack too quickly for fear of a costly mistake. Boris Vukčević broke into the box in the ninth minute and attempted a cross. Mainz captain Nikolce Noveski stuck his foot out in an attempt to block it, but he accidentally redirected the ball past goalkeeper Christian Wetklo to give Hoffenheim the early lead.

According to Opta Franz, the own goal is Noveski’s sixth in Bundesliga play, tying him for the most all-time with Manfred Kaltz.

Aside from Ryan Babel pulling the trigger on a shot and almost getting the winner just moments after stepping on the pitch, the second half was rather forgettable.