Mounié nets first Bundesliga goal in Augsburg defeat

Steve Mounié scored his first Bundesliga goal this season for Augsburg in Sunday’s clash against relegation-strugglers Holstein Kiel on Matchday 32. Augsburg lost 3-1 at home with the Beninese striker netting a consolation goal in the 90th minute.

The 30-year-old centre-forward came on as a second-half substitute, replacing DR Congo international Samuel Essende. Phillip Tietz’s goal-bound header was initially saved by Holstein Kiel custodian Thomas Dähne, but the former Huddersfield Town striker was quick to slot home the rebound.

Mounié moved to the Bundesliga after French club Brest secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League last season. However, the towering striker struggled to adapt in his debut season in Germany, scoring just once in 15 league appearances.

A return to France was considered during the January transfer window with Ligue 1 side Angers expressing interest, but the move ultimately fell through. Pan-Africa Football’s Ablam Gnamesso reported in April that a transfer appears likely for the Benin national team star due to a lack of regular playing time.

Essende has capitalised on Mounié’s poor form to cement his place in the starting line-up. Mounié was left out of Augsburg’s squad after logging 86 minutes in Benin’s 2–0 loss to South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Sunday’s cameo marked his first appearance for Augsburg since mid-March. However, his recent poor form has yet to jeopardise his place in the senior national team.

Augsburg are 11th with 43 points. A series of unimpressive results has seen them lose hope of qualifying for a European spot next season. The club has managed only one win in their last six games.