Six points from tough games against Galatasaray and Fatih Karagumruk have given Ankaragücü a lifeline in the fight against relegation. Another excellent performance under the guidance of Hikmet Karaman who is proving what a great coach he is.
Team - Freidrich, Kitsiou, Sarlija, Kulusic, Atilla, Ibrahim, Alper, Endri, Saba, Geraldo, Borven
Subs - Furkan, Pazdan, Erdi, Pinto, Orkan, Assane, Ali Kaan, Badji, Voca, Emre
Ankaragücü started the match well and looked the more lively in the first ten minutes. Fatih Karagumruk are a good side though and it was Castro who had the first chance of the game but his weak effort was easily saved by Freidrich.
Three minutes later and excellent play from Alassane Ndao down the right found Castro free in the box but he blasted high and wide when he should have done better. A few minutes later Karagumruk had a goal rightly ruled out for offside.
The first chance for Ankaragücü didn’t come until the 43rd minute when Endri saw his 30 yard free kick tipped over by Viviano. One minute later Bertolucci had a chance at the other end after nice play from Castro but he sliced his shot high and wide.
Half Time 0-0
Karagumruk started the second half well and nice play from Borini down the left who crossed for Castro at the back post, but again he somehow headed over. Another let off for Ankaragücü.
Then the opening goal came on the 54th minute. Nice link up play from Geraldo then Saba who squared the ball for Alper Potuk who placed his shot past Viviano in the Karagumruk goal to make it 0-1. A great goal and now it was time for Ankaragücü to defend for the next 35 minutes!
Karagumruk did have a penalty claim which looked like it was going to be given after Borven pulled back Ndao in the box. But thankfully VAR said no due to Ndao being offside.
Karagumruk piled on the pressure in injury time with Salibur firing over from 25 yards and Ricardo made an outstanding save from Melvut from point blank range. Melvut had another chance at the end but he headed over.
Saba could have finished the game off for Ankaragücü but he shot straight at Viviano. Ankaragücü held on for the 3 points and their is now a buzz around the club. Hikmet Karaman has galvanised the squad and everyone is fighting for each other.
Sarlija and Ibrahim both impressed today as did Kulusic, Geraldo and Alper. But special mention to Borven who played in almost every position on the park and worked so hard for the team. It’s this kind of work rate and togetherness that keeps teams up!
Next up is Goztepe next Sunday!
Excellent report Nadeem, and optimism is back on the menu !!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great goal and one which fittingly decided the match. The cut-back from the goal line is always difficult to defend and recently Saba has made a habit of providing assists from such positions. Long may that continue !
You rightly praised Borven's workrate and willingness to help the defence and midfield. As we know, winning breeds confidence and team spirit, and this is something Ankaragucu will need for the run-in with teams tightly bunched in the bottom half of the league.
Well done Ankaragucu !!!