Erzerumspor 0-1 Ankaragücü match report!

Ankaragücü have started the season in fine form, winning plaudits for their exciting attacking brand of football. Today it was a very different type of football that saw Ankaragücü take all 3 points despite playing 83 minutes of the match with 10 men.

Team - Hopf, Erdem, Alihan, Yalcin, Kone, Tiago, Faty, Dja Djede, Bifouma. Mokhtar, El Kabir
Subs - Korcan, Kehinde, Putsila, Kenan, Sedat, Mehmet, Mahmut, Cerci, Ilhan, Erdem

İsmail Kartal changed the system today chosing to go with a back 3 today with Bakary Kone coming into the starting line up alongside Alihan and Yalcin. Ilhan dropped to the bench to allow for the extra central defender.

Erzerumspor started the brighter with Jasmin having a shot from distance in the first minute but Hopf easily saved. Five minutes later and Ankaragücü faced a massive task after Bakery Kone was sent off for a reckless challenge as the referee consulted with VAR. At firs it looked like the referee got the decision wrong but another replay from a different angle at full time showed it was the correct decision.

Kone has had a disastrous start to his Ankaragücü career and again showed that he is unreliable. It was his poor first touch that led him to make the tackle in the first place. It’s difficult to see a place for him in the team now as he is gifting teams chances every game.

Erzerumspor looked to take advantage and Jasmin had another long range effort that went wide on the 17th minute. Five minutes later Moussa Kone saw his shot saved by Hopf.

Ankaragücü were defending well but finding it difficult to keep hold of the ball. Former Arsenal man Giles Sunu saw his shot go wide on the 40th minute after a good cross into the box. Five minutes later a great effort from Ibrahim was well saved by Hopf.

Half Time - 0-0

Into the second half and it was much of the same. Three minutes in Auremir saw his deflected shot go inches wide. From the resulting corner the ball found its way to the back post for Jasmin but Hopf again made a good save. A minute later and Jasmin saw his shot from distance saved by Hopf.

Five minutes later and Sunu went close from distance but that man Hopf made another excellent save. Ankaragücü were struggling to get out of their half but on the odd occasion they did counter El Kabir, Bifouma and Mokhtar were wasteful.

With 15 minutes remaining Erzerumspor threw everything at it and Emrah almost got lucky but his cross was tipped wide by Hopf.  Munsy had a chance that went wide before Hopf made another brilliant save and then the goal fianally came.....

Despite dominating the game, it was a Ankaragücü who took the lead in the 90h minute with their first shot on goal. Brilliant play from Erdem who played a beautiful ball through for Kenan who calmly finished past Ibrahim to make it 0-1 Ankaragücü and send the fans and team wild in celebrations, their were even emotional tears from Kenan which showed just how much it meant.

A brilliant defensive display from the 10 men with Alihan and Yalcin solid. Brice Dja Djede was outstanding again with another Ngolo Kante type performance. But special mention to man of the match Johannes Hopf with another excellent display.

Next up is a midweek match in the cup and the game will be played at Yenikent Stadium!