Game in Bregenz

Two young bulls back in top form after a period of suffering

Bryan Okoh (Wed.) celebrates after his goal against Dornbirn, hugged by Lukas Wallner.

(Bild: GEPA pictures/Oliver Lerch)

Liefering want to continue their high-flying form in the away game in Bregenz. A success factor is the stable defense with the central defenders Bryan Okoh and Lukas Wallner. After a long period of suffering, the two are among the key players.

In sporting terms, things are going according to plan for Liefering in the second division this spring. After three victories, they are aiming for another success in Vorarlberg on Friday (18.10, live in the conference on ORF Sport plus). "Bregenz are a seasoned men's team from the top third of the table and we're looking forward to the challenge," says coach Onur Cinel, who wants to continue the winning streak.

One factor for success is the central defense consisting of Bryan Okoh and Lukas Wallner (under contract with the Salzburg agency More than sport). The two 20-year-olds provide Liefering's defense with stability and play very well despite their quiet age. Both were already on the verge of joining the big bulls, but were set back by injury. Okoh did not play a competitive match in the fall, Wallner only one in the cup. "It's a win-win situation that these players get the appearances they need to develop and also give the team support," said the coach, praising his protégés.

Already played many games together
Both have a lot of experience in the second division. The Pongau player has played 56 games, the Swiss player 47. Together, the Switzerland-Pongau duo have played 21 matches in the second-highest division. The two therefore get on brilliantly on the pitch.

"I've been playing with him for a long time. We get on well and it's easier when you know your teammates," says Okoh, who is keen to help his teammates, some of whom are still younger, as much as possible: "I'm very happy because they want to learn. We can also see that in our game. We're playing better and we understand each other very well." The defender made his competitive debut for Salzburg in the Cup back in September 2021 and wants to establish himself there in the summer after a long period of suffering.

Luka Reischl (left) celebrates with Bryan Okoh and Moussa Yeo (right) after the win over St. Pölten.

(Bild: GEPA pictures/David Geieregger)

Bryan Okoh is out for several months.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

But first they have to stop Bregenz's most dangerous scorer: Lukas Brückler. The ex-Gollinger has already netted eight times (170 minutes per goal) and made a name for himself. If he maintains his form and can improve a little, he is sure to take the next step in his career.

Graz derby on Sunday
The top match of the evening is Leoben against Ried (20.30, live on ORF Sport plus). On Sunday there will be a small Graz derby between the talents of Sturm Graz and league leaders GAK. Stripfing will be looking to redeem themselves after four consecutive defeats against bottom-of-the-table Amstetten.

The other games in the second division: Friday: Lafnitz - FAC, St. Pölten - Kapfenberg, Stripfing - Amstetten, Vienna - Horn (all 18.10), Leoben - Ried (20.30). Saturday: Admira - Dornbirn (14.30). Sunday: Sturm Graz II - GAK (10.30).