Ankaragücü restorer some pride within the club tonight with a spirited performance in Konya that gave the team a share of the points in a 0-0 draw. I did say midweek in the match preview that we could sneak a 0-0 draw as our defence is the strongest part of the squad, while Konya struggle to score goals.
Team - Korcan, Kitsiou, Kulusic, Pazdan, Mehmet Sak, Moke, Sedat, Canteros, Aydin, Ilhan, Orgill
Subs - Belkovic, Yalcin, Alihan, Pinto, Faty, Ender, Cebrail, Ahmet, Hasan, Zaur
Before the game had even kicked off there was more controversy for Ankaragücü to deal with as caretaker manager Aykan Atik was refused permission to manage the team as he didn’t have the required coaching badges and license. This meant that sporting director Adnan Erkan took control. Never a dull moment with this club.
Ankaragücü started the game well for the first 10 minutes but Konya started to look dangerous down the right hand side with Ilhan and Mehmet caught out a few times. The first chance came after 14 minutes when Omer Ali Sahiner saw his header come back off the post much to the relief of the Ankaragücü support.
Six minutes later Milosevic played a nice one two on the edge of the box but shot straight at Korcan. It took until the 25th minute for Ankaragücü to get a shot on goal as Canteros played through Orgill but his shot went well wide.
On the 31st minute Skubic saw his shot well saved by Korcan, while Milosevic saw his effort go wide of the post a minute later.
Just before half time it looked like Konya were about to take the lead but for an outstanding challenge in the box from Polish International Michal Pazdan. He really had a terrific game and was the best player on the park.
Ankaragücü did have a shout for a penalty in the first half but the referee didn’t even look at VAR. It certainly could have been given.
Half Time
Ankaragücü had the first chance of the 2nd half as Aydin saw his shot easily saved by former Ankaragücü keeper Serkan Kirintil. A couple of minutes later Milosevic had 2 Long distance efforts brilliantly saved by Korcan.
The best chance of the game for Ankaragücü came on the 84th minute as Canteros played a nice through ball for Orgill but the Jamaican shot just wide from a tight angle. It was a frustrating night for Orgill who didn’t have much service from the likes of Ilhan and Aydin and spent a lot of energy chasing the ball and tracking back.
Konyaspor had time for 1 more chance with 2 minutes remaining but another outstanding save from Korcan gave Ankaragücü a clean sheet and a share of the points. A terrific result and fighting performance from the team. Special mention must go to Michal Pazdan and Korcan Celikay who were both outstanding.
Hopefully the club can now lift the transfer ban and give the team the help required to go and have a successful season.
Next up is Kayserispor at home next Saturday night!
Spot on Nadeem.
ReplyDeleteDamon and I watched the match in The Alerta Bar and we agreed that Pazdan and Korcan were outstanding. Also, it was pleasing to see all the players playing with fire in their belly which was obviously recognised by the large Ankaragucu travelling support who never gave up singing and encouraging them.
I would have been happy with this result prior to kick off, but I thought we might have sneaked a goal near the end.
Anyway, well done Ankaragucu, and let's try and stay above Galatasaray and Beshiktrash for the remainder of the season !!!