Last-gasp Ya Konan hands Hannover victory

Didier Ya Konan struck with the last kick of the match as Hannover 96 bounced back from an added-time equaliser to break Helsingborgs IF hearts and maintain their lead in UEFA Europa League Group L.

It had looked like Mame Diouf's early goal was going to be enough for the visitors as they matched a vibrant first half with a resilient second. Helsingborg came right back into it, though, and Álvaro struck in the first minute of added time to seemingly snatch a point – until Ya Konan had the final word to keep the Swedish side bottom on one point.

The first half was all about two players as Diouf and Szabolcs Huszti linked up regularly and effectively. The Senegal striker was close to opening the scoring on at least two occasions – only last-ditch defending denying him – before he struck in the 12th minute. Huszti swung in a corner from the right and Diouf met it with a guided header back across Pär Hansson.

The hosts were struggling to cope with the intelligent movement of the Hannover duo, and at least one of them should have doubled the lead when Diouf rounded Hansson before Huszti's shot was cleared by the scrambling goalkeeper.

However, with only one goal still separating the sides, Helsingborg were right in the game, and they should have equalised with 16 minutes remaining when first Nikola Djurdić and then substitute Álvaro shot straight at Ron-Robert Zieler when superbly placed in the Hannover area.

Álvaro subsequently flicked a header just wide, but he certainly did not miss when lifting the ball over the visiting No1 following Peter Larsson's knock-down. It looked like a famous point had been rescued, yet there was still time for Ya Konan to stab in from close range and move Hannover onto seven points.