Ankaragucu vs Istanbul Basaksehir match preview!

Ankaragucu kick off their Turkish Cup group campaign in Istanbul as they take on Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir. A touch start to the campaign for Ankaragucu against the group favourites, but they will take confidence after a good 3-0 home win over Kirklarelispor at the weekend. In the groups other game Sivas 4 Eyul are at home against Karabukspor.

Ankaragucu will come up against a familiar face in Ugur Ucar who formerly played for the club when they were in the Super Lig. Basaksehir won promotion from the PTT Lig at the first time of asking last season, and have carried on their excellent form as they sit 8th at the moment.

They have some excellent players with Doka Madureira in particular. When they were relegated to the PTT Lig 2 years ago, it was expected that Doka would leave the club after some excellent performances, he however stayed loyal to the club and helped them win promotion last season. Also in the squad is experienced Turkish International Sahin Senturk, Edin Visca, Yalcin Ayhan, Michael Eneramo and a host of other players who will need to be respected.

The priority for Ankaragucu this season is staying in Lig 2 while sorting out the problems off field. A group of Ankaragucu fans have went on a hunger strike and set up a camp at the clubs Tandogan headquarters. They have received support for the Ankargucu fans and Aylin Nazaklia who is a member of the government. Unfortunately she doesn't have the power to go up against Melih Gokcek, however we thank her for her support.

Kick off for tomorrows game is at 1645 with the team already in Istanbul as they prepare for tomorrows match. If we can bring a point back to the capital it would be a fantastic result. We need to be realistic though and remember the gulf in class between the two clubs.