Jan Rosenthal's first-half goal was enough for Hannover to grab a 1-0 victory at Cologne as the guests welcomed back Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke.

Rosenthal scored the game's only goal in the 37th minute as Hannover collected their first away win in four matches.

Hannover keeper Enke made his comeback after not playing since August 29 due a bacterial stomach infection.

The first chance of the game went to the visitors as Rosenthal was alone in front of Cologne keeper Faryd Mondragon and passed to Didier Ya Konan, whose shot from 10 yards was cleared at the line by Geromel after 11 minutes.

Hannover grabbed the lead five minutes later. After some confusion in front of Mondragon's goal, Rosenthal struck home a volley from 10 yards for the lead.

Cologne also came into the game with the worst attack in the league with just three goals in their last five games.

And they finally had a chance three minutes after the break as Maniche sent a through ball to Sebastian Freis, who just missed from 15 yards.

Mondragon was forced to make a fine save against Ya Konan after 58 minutes and Enke proved his ability five minutes later with a superb stop of Petit's blast from 18 yards.

Cologne tried from the long distance with eight minutes left but Fabrice Ehret's drive went just left of the post.