Bremen's Manneh: Match-winner a 'dream come true' in fairy-tale rise

Two years ago, Werder Bremen striker Ousman Manneh left his family behind when he fled Gambia as a refugee.

Saturday, the 19-year-old forward scored the match-winner in a 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Weserstadion, capping off a story unlike most in sport.

"I can't believe this," Manneh said after Saturday's win. "Is this real or am I dreaming? This is the greatest moment of my life."

When Manneh arrived at a German refugee centre, he started playing organised football.

Almost immediately, the angular attacker impressed on a trial with fifth-tier Blumenthaler, bagging 15 goals in 11 matches for its youth side.

A year later, he signed a deal with Bremen's reserves, and the rest is history - or, as he called it Saturday, "a dream come true."

"It's hard to describe my feelings," Manneh said after just his fourth appearance for the first team.

"I've been so proud to be the first Gambian to play four Bundesliga games, and now I'm proud to be the first one to score."

For Manneh, there are plenty of reasons to be proud.