Gift Orban delivered a standout performance as Hoffenheim kicked off their summer preseason with a 3-2 victory over regional league side SGV Freiberg.
The friendly match, held in Mühlhausen in front of 875 spectators, marked the first outing under new head coach Christian Ilzer.
Hoffenheim made an energetic start to the contest, taking the lead just three minutes in through Muhammed Damar, whose brilliant strike from 18 meters opened the scoring. The 20-year-old came close to doubling the advantage shortly after but was denied by the crossbar.
Freiberg responded before halftime, capitalizing on a quick throw-in that caught the Hoffenheim defense off guard. Armin Sivic finished calmly to level the match in the 39th minute.
Following a complete overhaul of the lineup at the break, it was Gift Orban who quickly asserted himself. The Nigerian forward unleashed a stunning long-range effort just four minutes into the second half to restore Hoffenheim’s lead.
Orban continued to influence proceedings, this time turning provider with a well-timed assist for David Mokwa, who added the third goal in the 63rd minute.
Despite Hoffenheim’s control, Freiberg pulled one back late on when Diamant Lokaj converted a penalty in the 88th minute, but the Bundesliga side held on for a deserved win.
Hoffenheim will continue their preseason campaign on Wednesday, July 16, with an away fixture against Sportfreunde Lauffen.
