Patson Daka on target…As Salzburg seal title defense

By Aaron Mubanga Jnr | June 29, 2020

The Chipolopolo forward on Sunday scored the third goal as Redbull Salzburg eased past TSV Hartberg to successfully defend their Tipico Austrian Bundesliga title.

Coach Jesse Marsch made two changes to the team that thrashed Rapid Wien 7-2 with Masaka Okugawa and Hee-Chan Hwang returning to the starting line up and Zlatko Junuzovic and Noah Okafor making way.

Hartberg came to the party and gave Salzburg little room in the first half, The Champions had to wait until the 45th minute to take the lead. Defender Andrea Ramalho headed in a Dominik Szoboszlai corner to make it 1-0 just before the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, Hee-Chan Hwang doubled the lead with a beautiful header after connecting with a pinpoint cross from Albert Vallci.

Six minutes later, Patson Daka made it three from close range. The goal was the 2017 CAF young player of the year’s 24th of the season and seventh in the last four games against Hartberg. The goal also put an end to three-match goal drought

Patson had a chance late in the match to make 4-0 but the Hartberg goalkeeper made a brilliant save, 3-0 the match ended. Compatriot Enock Mwepu put in a fantastic 70-minute shift before being withdrawn for Junuzovic.

Daka’s chance for the golden boot continues as he still trails Shon Weissman by three goals with two games left to play.

Salzburg has now won 14 Tipico Bundesliga titles in the title and seventh Consecutive league titles. The duo has won three of the last seven.

Jesse Marsch also becomes the first American coach to win a European double after becoming the first to win a European trophy when they won the OEFB Cup.

In Poland, Lubambo Musonda put in a full shift for Slask Wroclaw who came from a goal down to hold Lech Poznan 2-2 and keep their hopes of European football qualification.

In Sweden, Edward Chilufya put in a decent 62-minute shift for Djurgadens IF who thrashed Kalmar 5-0.