ANKARAGUCU, BURSASPOR AND...... ATATURK

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

As reported in Hurriyet, it was a long Sunday for the supporters of ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor. They met at Tandogan yesterday morning at 9am and walked together to Anitkabir (Mausoleum) to show their respect for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (founder of the Turkish Republic). It was also an opportunity to make a statement for peace, friendship and brotherhood. Fine sentiments indeed. It certainly makes a change from all the horror stories about footie hooliganism around the world ! This event was organised by our friends in ANKARAGUCU Pegasus Supporters Group.

Of course, the friendship between ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor is legendary and events like this only serves to strengthen the ties between the two clubs and perhaps the idea might catch-on in other clubs in this country and other countries too.

Unfortunately, I couldn't attend this event nor the match, but perhaps Maniac Kanka Harun may wish to comment ? Therefore, acknowledgement is given to Hurriyet for this report.

First up, and surprise surprise, it was another draw !!!

ANKARAGUCU 1 Bursaspor 1

However, before the match kicked-off there was a one minute's silence to show respect for the Vice President of ANKARAGUCU (Serdar Tosun) who passed away last week.

The match was pretty much end to end in the first half but it was Bursa who threatened first. Sinan made an excellent run down the right wing and cut into the penalty area. Serkan commited himself but was beaten and it was left to an ANKARAGUCU defender to clear the ball off the goal line. Shortly after that Cumhur had a good opportunity to open the scoring for Bursa when Serkan made an excellent save from his ferocious free kick shot on goal.

In ANKARAGUCU's first `serious` attempt on goal, Bebbe scored on 35 minutes when he received a pass outside the penalty area and moved into the penalty area with the Bursa defence retreating. He let fly and ANKARAGUCU went in at half time one up.

The 2nd half was a carbon copy of the first half with both teams playing attacking footie but without any real finishing threat. Then, with only 7 minutes left on the clock, Bursa won a corner. De Souza played the corner into the box where it was met by Ismail and he gave Serkan no chance.

So, a draw it ended which will no doubt have pleased the clubs and supporters.

This result leaves ANKARAGUCU in 10th position in the league on 23 points. Gencler are in 6th position on 27 points. Top team Fener.....spit.....bahce are on 38 points and looking like they will be difficult to dislodge from the top spot.

Upcoming matches this week -

Tuesday 30 January - Turkish Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg - Fener v Gencler - KO 8pm
Friday 2 February - League - Fener v Gencler - KO not known yet
Sunday 4 February - League - Ankaraspor v ANKARAGUCU - KO not known yet

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim