ANKARAGUCU - LEADERLESS BUT NOT POINTLESS !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

ANKARAGUCU was leaderless yesterday after the shock announcement of Herr Briegel’s dismissal during the week. However, Hakan Kutlu took temporary charge of the team, and as I mentioned recently, he may well be formally appointed as coach this week.

ANKARAGUCU 1 Rize (Tea Boys) 0

Attendees at the match were Maniac Kanka, Yankee Kanka, Battle Damaged Kanka, Rip Off Kanka, Alpine Kanka and Mini Alpine Kanka Chris.

I met up with the kankas after the match at the Cappadokia Bar and the match report is courtesay of Maniac Kanka and Battle Damaged Kanka.

As usual, the Stadium was almost full and Hakan Kutlu was welcomed by all the supporters and given applause by all the tribunes. Not surprising really because he was a popular captain of ANKARAGUCU for many years and a great servant of the Club.

The match took on a familiar pattern in the 1st half. All ANKARAGUCU possession with an attacking formation. However, it was a case of the old old story. Final passes going astray, and as Battle Damaged Kanka said…… it was even worse than last week ! There were a couple of close things though. Bebbe had a `certain` penalty claim turned down, and Bebbe again had a great shot on goal which rebounded off the bar with the goalkeeper helpless.

More of the same in the 2nd half but some fortune smiled on ANKARAGUCU at last. A rocket of a shot from Kirita was parried by the Rize goalkeeper and Burak was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Rize came more into the match in the last 15 minutes but Zafer in goal was never seriously troubled throughout the whole match.

Maniac Kanka made the comment that there is no doubting the skill of the ANKARAGUCU players, but that they seemed to be playing as individuals rather than as a cohesive team unit. Perhaps this has been noted by Hakan Kutlu and he will hopefully be working on this on the training ground.

I was pleased to see El Yasa back in the left full back position. Also, new signing Ibrahim Said made his debut and came on for the last few minutes. Hopefully he will realise his potential at the Club and add more firepower up front in future matches.

So, a hard earned 3 points and confidence high for the visit of Diyarbakir BSB DISKI on Wednesday afternoon in the Turkish Cup.

Looking further ahead, ANKARAGUCU will be away in Bursa next Sunday 4 November KO 2pm.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim