Japan attacker Ritsu Doan headed in the winner as Freiburg won 1-0 away to Koln on Saturday, registering his fifth goal this term in the German Bundesliga.

An unmarked Doan dived in and netted in the 54th minute after Lucas Holer flicked on a corner at the near post at RheinEnergieSTADION.

"I kind of sensed it and readied myself where I felt the ball was going to drop," said the 24-year-old, who did not see much of the ball in the first half as the home side dominated. "I knew it was going to be a tough away game."

Freiburg's Ritsu Doan dribbles the ball during a German Bundesliga football match against Cologne in Cologne, Germany, on April 29, 2023. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Freiburg sit fourth as they continue their hunt for a place in next season's Champions League, given to the top four finishers this term.

The German Cup semifinals await Freiburg on Tuesday when they face Leipzig.

"The good thing about this team is the ability to play the game in front of us without looking too far ahead," Doan said. "I hope to recover properly before moving on to the next game."

In France, Japanese forward Ado Onaiwu came on in the second half of the French Cup final as Toulouse thumped holders Nantes 5-1 to lift the trophy.

"I wanted to score a goal, but I managed to do things needed for the team in no small way," said the 27-year-old. "This will be a big thing in my career."