With only 2 matches remaining Ankaragucu host fellow relegation strugglers Denizlispor in what is a must win match for both clubs. Ankaragucu need to take 6 points from their opening 2 games and hope that none of the clubs above them pick up any points. I spoke with Denizlispor striker Bajram Fetai today who said his side are coming for the 3 points. I know Bajram from his time at Rangers and he is a player our team will need to watch out for.
The City of Ankara can be proud of the fight the young Ankaragucu team have put up especially in the second half of the season under coach Mustafa Kaplan. Its all ifs and buts, however if Mustafa Kaplan was in charge from the opening game of the season who knows where the club would have finished, but i would be confident it would be in the top half of the PTT Lig.
Ankaragucu hope to be able to recall Orhan Evci and Mehmet Tasci who were both missed last week due to injury and suspension. Its important that Ankaragucu take their chances in this match as last week they paid the price of too many missed chances against a strong Caykur Rizespor side. A victory for Denizli could see them safe and they have some good players like Fetai mentioned above and also Ibrahim Obadasi who is on loan from Bursaspor.
Young Gokhan Akkan was outstanding last week for Ankaragucu and didn't deserve to be on the losing side, the team will yet again call upon the 18 year old who has a bright future ahead of him. For many Ankaragucu players such as Bayram Olgun, Gokhan Erdogan, Mert Erdogan, Timur Ozgoz, and Bilal Gulden to name a few it could be their last game at the 19 Mayis stadium as their contract is up.
President Mehmet Yiginer has another big job on his hand this summer, he needs to keep the majority of this young side together and find a way of lifting the transfer ban. If he cant achieve this it could be another painful season for Ankaragucu. The game kicks off at 1530 Turkish time and as usual will be played behind closed doors with women and children only allowed due to the clubs stadium ban.
I'm sorry to say that I can't see Ankaragucu winning this one, although I'm sure those young lads will give their all, as they have done for most of the season.
ReplyDeleteI have always rated Denizlispor highly and am surprised that it has taken them so long to seriously challenge for a return to the Super League.
I have been in their beautiful city many times which has a great support base similar to other fallen giants, eg, Adanaspor and Karsiyaka to name but two.
I fully expect Denizli to be a serious challenger next season at the top of the PTT League.
As for Ankaragucu, the serious work begins NOW for management and coaching staff on plotting their immediate return to the PTT League, otherwise ......... ???!!!