Kevin Akpoguma has expressed his satisfaction with Hoffenheim’s performance after securing a 1-1 draw against VfB Stuttgart in a tense Bundesliga clash on Sunday night. The Nigerian defender believes his side deserved the point after a spirited second-half display.
The match began with Stuttgart taking an early lead through Nick Woltemade, who found the back of the net in the ninth minute. The goal came as a result of Hoffenheim’s defensive lapse, which Akpoguma acknowledged as an area that needs improvement. Despite falling behind, Hoffenheim remained composed and eventually leveled the score when Nigerian forward Gift Orban struck with a well-taken goal in the 74th minute.
In his post-match comments, Akpoguma highlighted the contrasting performances between the two halves and credited his team’s resilience for earning a point against a strong Stuttgart side.
“It was a deserved point. Stuttgart were better in the first half, but in the second half, we had more passion and more energy. We earned the goal through good pressing,” Akpoguma said.
The 28-year-old defender emphasized the importance of staying alert defensively, admitting that Hoffenheim’s slow start led to the early goal.
“We even had a chance to win, but the draw is fine. We were asleep when they scored, and we need to defend better. Stuttgart has enormous quality in attack,” he added.
The draw marked a positive outcome for Hoffenheim, who have been aiming to improve their form following a series of inconsistent results. The team’s ability to respond after going behind reflects their fighting spirit and determination to climb higher in the Bundesliga standings.
Gift Orban’s goal was a bright spot for Hoffenheim. The Nigerian striker, who joined the club during the January transfer window, has been making an impact with his attacking prowess. His clinical finish not only rescued a point but also showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
Meanwhile, Stuttgart, who have been enjoying a solid season, were left frustrated by Hoffenheim’s late equalizer. Despite dominating possession for large parts of the game, they were unable to secure all three points. The result means they missed an opportunity to strengthen their position in the league table.
Hoffenheim’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Bochum on Saturday. Akpoguma and his teammates will be eager to build on this result and secure a vital win in front of their home fans. With the battle for European spots heating up, every point becomes crucial in the latter stages of the season.
The Nigerian defender remains confident that Hoffenheim can continue to improve and compete with the league’s top sides. As they prepare for the next fixture, Akpoguma’s leadership and defensive solidity will play a vital role in their ambitions.