Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
It was strange
having the last match of the season on a Monday evening but that didn’t deter
the tribunes from turning up in force to salute the players who had achieved
the impossible and returned our great Club to their rightful position in the
Super League !
If I am to be
honest (and yes, I know, that’s unusual for me !) I would have been content to
consolidate our position in the PTT League at the beginning of the season after
last season’s euphoria of winning the 2nd League. However, thanks to Mehmet Yigner and Ismail
Kartal the impossible became reality after a sluggish beginning to the season.
The away victory
in Rize last year was probably the turning point and it has been a
roller-coaster of a ride all the way, culminating in securing promotion in Manisa
last weekend.
So, it was
carnival time last night in the last match of the season.
ANKARAGUCU 1
Adana Demirspor 1
Posh Kanka Ahmet
and I met-up in the garden of the TSDY Restaurant for our pre-match ‘refreshments’
and a singsong with our Maraton buddies.
Then we joined the remainder of the kankas in the Stadium – Battle Damaged
Kanka Damon, Maniac Kanka Harun, Nurer Kanka, Horseman Kanka, Kaleci Kanka
Tansu and Vittoria Kanka Miguel.
It was non-stop
singing from start to finish and the carnival atmosphere was maintained
throughout, including the customary Mexican Wave in the 2nd half.
To footie then,
and the match sprang to life in the 14th minute when Enes
constructed and scored a great goal. A
piece of quick thinking and football skill from Enes on the right when he back heeled
the ball to the overlapping runner, Erdem.
The cross came in which was knocked down to Enes, who had anticipated
the cross, and he thundered in an unstoppable shot.
The Bursa Song
was next and then on the half our mark Kehinde had a great chance, but with
only the goalkeeper to beat, he scuffed his shot which was easily saved. In his defence, the ball didn’t sit-up for
him !
From that point
in the 1st half it was all Demirspor as they searched for the equaliser. They made it abundantly clear that they were
not here to celebrate Ankaragucu’s promotion !
On FIVE
occasions leading up the the half time whistle Demirspor had opportunities to
level it, but Altay came to Ankaragucu’s rescue with some crucial saves. The Demirspor forward Theo Mendy was a
constant thorn in the side of Ankaragucu’s defence and he crafted out some
chances for himself and others. So, I
thought Ankaragucu was rather fortunate to go in 1-0 up at half time !
Half time
entertainment was provided by the professional Misket Dance Group together with
some young boys in the group who put on a great show as always.
Into the 2nd
half and play was held-up for 5 minutes when the scoreboard tribune let-off
lots of flares which caused a smokescreen across the playing area. Play resumed with a screamer of a shot (I
think it was Kehinde) which was instinctively an acrobatically saved.
Play was fast
and furious from both sides, but then in the 77th minute, Demirspor
decided rather fortunately, to become party-poopers ! A weak shot (or was it a cross ?!) on the
right was well covered by Altay, but somehow he contrived to let the ball go
between his legs and in. A schoolboy
error which he may not easily forget !!
However, an immediate response came from all the tribunes when they
shouted his name in support. A fine
sporting gesture !
Demirspor had
two more opportunities to try and spoil the party, but for the first attempt 6
minutes before the end, M’bamba made a saving tackle to halt a Demirspor
breakaway. Then in time added on, a
Demirspor shot went just over the bar.
So, I suppose it
would be fair to say that a draw was a fair reflection of the mach in which
both team were intent on attack and giving us entertainment on the pitch to
match the entertainment off the pitch !!
It was then time
to head to The Bira Park to celebrate and we were fortunate to witness the open
top bus parade along GMK Boulevard with the players receiving the plaudits they
richly deserved.
The Police
closed the city centre in Kizilay to traffic and it was taken over by thousands
of Ankaragucu supporters, many with coloured flares. A stage was erected in Guven Park and live
music was played. It was an
unbelievable sight and an evening which will live long in our memories.
Now it is over to
Mehmet Yigner and Ismail Kartal to start work on recruiting and preparing the
team for the coming season in the Super League.
Watch this space
for news as it unfolds !
All the best
from Eski Kanka Jim
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the report Jim
ReplyDeleteAn absolutely fantastic achievement for all involved at Ankaragucu. Starting with Mehmet Yiginer and his management team, Ismail Kartal and his coaches, the players and most importantly the fans who fought to keep the club alive.
And what a site the 19 Mayis Stadium and Kizily was on Monday night. Just wish i was there.
Now onto the Super Lig we go!!!