The MSV Duisburg won the last test match before the start of the season. The Zebras won without coach Torsten Ziegner.

MSV Duisburg has successfully completed its dress rehearsal before the start of the third league season. The Zebras won against the Dutch second division team De Graafschap Doetinchem on Saturday afternoon with 2:1 (1:1). (Read the course of the game in the live ticker)

The Duisburg team had to do without its coach Torsten Ziegner for the match, which was played at the PCC Stadium in Homberg. The 45-year-old had to undergo routine surgery on Friday, but is expected to be back with the team for the start of the upcoming training week.

Co-coach Michael Hiemisch therefore took over the responsibility – and sent an eleven onto the pitch that could also be on the pitch at the start of the third league in a week’s time.

Led by newly elected captain Sebastian Mai, the 2253 spectators saw MSV take the lead in the early stages. Niklas Kölle converted an entry from newcomer Thomas Pledl (6th).

MSV Duisburg: Bakir scores winner after substitution

It didn’t take long for the Dutch fans – who have a friendly relationship with Duisburg – to cheer. The visitors equalized with their first chance, Lion Kaak scoring the goal (15th). The score remained at that level until halftime – also because Duisburg had missed several good opportunities.

At the start of the second period, the referee initially had to interrupt the game. Due to pyrotechnics set off by the Dutch fans, visibility was briefly severely restricted.

After a short break, the game continued – and MSV made a quadruple change. In the meantime, the Meiderich team had noticeably lost ground compared to the first half, and not much was going forward.

So it came as a bit of a surprise that they suddenly took the lead again. Substitute Alaa Bakir dribbled through and made it 2-1 (74th). His goal was the last noteworthy action of the game. And because it started to thunder in the final phase, the referee ended the game early.

After a generally mixed preparation, MSV thus gained fresh self-confidence ahead of the season opener at SC Freiburg’s U23 next Saturday (4:30 p.m., RS live ticker).

MSV Duisburg – De Graafschap Doetinchem 2:1

MSV Duisburg: Müller – Bitter (64. Feltscher), Fleckstein, Mai, Mogultay – Bakalorz (64. Knoll), Jander (86. Stierlin) – Pledl (86. Michelbrink), Pusch (64. Anhari), Kölle (47. Ekene) – Girth (64. Bakir)

De Graafschap: Bakker – Kaak (65. Wevers), Fortes, Schenk, Lammers – van Gilst (71. Bouihrouchane), Önal (79. Hardeman) – Yadir (46. Brittijn, 59. Hassan), Warmerdam (79. van der Heiden), Schoppema – Haen (46. Raterink)

Goals: 1:0 Kölle (6.), 1:1 Kaak (15.), 2:1 Bakir (74.)

Spectators: 2253