German forward of Ghanaian descent Ansgar Knauff believes Eintracht Frankfurt deserved to win their Europa League semi-final first leg clash against West Ham United because they put in a strong performance at the London Stadium.
Knauff needed only 49 seconds to put Frankfurt in the lead after heading home from a Rafael Borre cross as the German outfit went on to win 2-1.
Twenty minutes after Knauff’s opener, West Ham levelled through Jamaica forward Michail Antonio after he steer home an assist from defender Kurt Zouma.
The Germany U21 attacker came close in the 38th minute after his swift turn and quick hit went a few inches wide.
The Bundesliga side returned from the break very determined and nine minutes after half time Daichi Kamada rolled in the second after West Ham goalie Aurelio Alphonso’s save fell right in front of the Japanese.
“It was another very strong performance by the whole team. We surprised the opponent early on, which gave us a boost. It’s a great feeling, it’s an incredible path that we’re taking with the whole club and the whole city. We’re just one step away from the final and everyone’s already looking forward to the second leg. We’re going to rock that. Avoiding the crosses will also be key in the second leg because they have chances with their big players,” he said.
Knauff has now scored two goals in the Europa League, with his first coming against Barcelona in the quarter-finals.
Frankfurt will host West in Germany next week in the second leg with one foot in the finals of the Europa League after an impressive away win.
Knauff was born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother in Gottingen, making him eligible to feature for the Black Stars.
But he currently plays for Germany U-21 team and is eyeing a call-up to the senior national team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
