Tearful HSV academy product Nandja over the moon after first professional goal

Shafiq Nandja helped HSV to return to winning ways with his first professional goal.

Shafiq Nandja scored his first professional goal in Hamburger SV’s 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday. The 19-year-old center-back netted the all-important second goal moments after Ko Itakura’s red card.

“The whole team is happy for him. He’s a Hamburg lad. For him to score his first goal at home is incredible!” Miro Muheim said after the win, for which he also contributed with a brilliant first-half strike.

“I had tears in my eyes,” said the defender following his breakthrough moment. “I just ran to the corner flag, a little bit in front of the north stand, and just let out everything I had inside. That was one of the best feelings of my entire life.”

A fan of the club since childhood, Nandja joined HSV’s youth ranks in 2018. After making his first two appearances at the end of last season, the 1.95-meter defender was promoted to the first team. Friday’s game was also the first time he started a match at Volksparkstadion.

“It’s indescribable to score a goal in this stadium. That was always a dream I wanted to fulfill. I want to experience this feeling every day.” Nandja added about his special evening.

On the day one of their own guided them to an exciting win, HSV also gave a competitive debut for 18-year-old center-back Jason Bissi-Mouelle. “We want to give the lads a chance if they perform well in training.” the delighted coach Merlin Polzin said afterwards.