Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
The Karabuk v Ordu 0-0 draw last night eased Ankaragucu into Sunday's final.
However, the match was not without its heart-stopping moments. Ordu hit the woodwork and had a goal bound effort cleared off the line by a defender who was doing what he was supposed to do, ie, support his goalkeeper.
Taken as a whole, the match was played at a pedestrian pace, but having said that, all credit to Karabuk for a back-foot defensive display. However, they will have to 'up their game' if they are to survive in the Super League this season.
The Mersin v Sivas match was a different story. Mersin is the team which has caught the eye in this tournament. Their midfield, and especially attack, are very pacey and the two young African boys (Kamernun and Ozo'something') up front are causing panic whenever they get the ball. They also have some 'olde heads' around them, notably Nobre and Polat. If there is a weakness in the team it is their defence which looked a bit flat-footed at times last night.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw but Sivas was always chasing the game even though, to their credit, they never gave up.
The Mersin goals were classics. The first, a typical Nobre bullet header from a pin-point cross from the left. The second was a piece of pure brilliance from Kamernun when he took a pass and first-timed a lob over the despairing goalkeeper who had failed to clear initially.
So, it's an Ankaragucu v Mersin final and I'm sure Mesut Bey will have watched some of the Mersin action and be prepared for Mersin coming out of the traps fast like they did against Gencler. He must also make a plan to counter the threat of the two African boys up front.
It promises to be an interesting and entertaining final on Sunday KO 9pm.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
Nice report. Curious whether this is the first one on the blog that discussed Turkish matches that weren't played by either Gücü or Gençler.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to Sunday.
Enjoy the final tomorrow night lads.Sorry to have missed you Jim on our recent trip.We just got back Thursday.We only arrived on July 24th and didnt hire a car til the following week by which time you would have been well gone from Gumbet.Ended up going to Kusadasi and Selcuk.Had a great time overall.Disappointed as everyone else was to discover the start of the league was put back til September because of the scandal.
ReplyDeleteYou may be interested to know that Darius Vassell became the first player to be sent off in the new English league season.He lasted 11 minutes of Leicester City's opening game last weekend!
Dublin Neil.
Sorry to have missed you too Neil. Next year Inshallah ??!!
ReplyDeleteSurprised to hear that Vassell was sent off. He's not 'that type of player' if you know what I mean !
A decision is expected on the 'scandal' on 22 August. Watch this space for a report from our 'political correspondent' Damon !
In the meantime, I hope I can post some good news tomorra night. Silverware has been in short supply for Ankaragucu these past few years !!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Jim Mersin strike force is Yannick Kamanan who they signed from Sivasspor in the summer. Hes a french striker who also played with Spurs. Good big player who i though we would have went for.
ReplyDeleteThe other one is nigerian striker Nduka Ozokwo who was very impressive last year in the Bank Aysa. Very quick and a good finisher.
Tough game for us hopefully some silverwear at last