Berlin, Jan 28: Hannover ended its winless Bundesliga run of eight matches by beating Nuremberg 1-0 on Friday from Mohammed Abdellaoue's first-half goal.
The Norway striker struck after getting on the end of Lars Stindl's cross from the right while in between two Nuremberg defenders to score from five meters in the 18th minute.
"We knew we had to take the three points today," Abdellaoue said, before downplaying his 10th goal of the season. "It's my job."
The visitors failed to threaten before the break but drastically improved afterward, goalkeeper Ron Robert Zieler denying halftime substitute Tomas Pekhart from equalizing in the 55th.
Jens Hegeler came closest for Nuremberg in the 88th, deflecting a free kick agonizingly wide.
"We had a but of luck there, but you need a bit of luck, especially after so many draws," Hannover coach Mirko Slomka said.
Nuremberg coach Dieter Hecking said his side "didn't deserve to take a point from here" based on the first-half performance against his former side.
It is Hannover's first win since a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Oct. 23, leaving the team in seventh place ahead of the weekend's games.
The top three of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke, separated only by goal difference, all play Saturday.
Hannover sporting director Joerg Schmadtke said that Manchester United striker Mame Biram Diouf, who watched the game as a guest, would give the club a decision on a possible transfer "tonight, or tomorrow at the latest."
