ANKARAGUCU AND ......... THE REAL STRUGGLE BEGINS !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

With the Super League almost at the half way stage, and Ankaragucu failing to bring home any points last night, they have been sucked back into the relegation zone.

 

There are about 12 teams who are in the mix for relegation, so the onus is now firmly in Ankaragucu’s hands to start picking up points on a regular basis.

 

It is true that possession doesn’t always win matches and even with almost 60% possession last night, Ankaragucu could muster only two shots on target.

 

In no way am I criticising their efforts, and I don’t want to single out any particular player for criticism, but Ankaragucu did have their chances to win at least one point.    Consequently they have heaped more pressure on themselves for the upcoming crucial matches.

 

We all trust the Coach, Omer Erdogan, and he can see for himself where the weaknesses are.    For example, at times the football was good last night in the build-up, but the final ball in the final third was the problem time after time.      This, and our defensive frailties, needs to be addressed............. and soon   !!

 

Galatasaray               2                             ANKARAGUCU          1

 

Team – Bahadir, Marlon, Mujakic, Radakovic, Kevin, Taylan, Diack, Tasos, Emre, Zahid and Ali Sowe

 

Substitutes – Pedrinho, Frederico, Pepe, Giorgi and Ozuz

 

The kankas watched the match in The Bira Park Bar -   Posh Kanka Ahmet, his friend Gokhan (Gencler and Ankaragucu supporter   !!) and Kemal Kanka

 

Ankaragucu had the best possible start last night when they opened the scoring in the 6^th minute after a piece of pure skill by Taylan.    A corner on the right was headed clear in the centre to Taylan who shot to the top right.    The ball hit the underside of the bar and crossed the line, despite the goalkeeper’s effort to palm the ball clear.

 

It only took 7 minutes for Galatasaray to respond and, sad to say, the defence was at fault.    A cross came in from the right and Yilmaz stole in between 2 static defenders to head powerfully in.

 

It was almost 2 for Galatasaray 5 minutes later from a corner on the left when an unmarked Galatasaray attacker had a free header which went just past the left post.

 

However, their 2^nd goal arrived 5 minutes later and again it was the defence caught out of position.    A cross came in from the left to Gomis who held off the challenge of Mujakic to send his shot in off the inside of the right post.

 

Approaching half time and Zahid was unlucky to see his goal bound shot well saved.

 

Then just before the half time whistle, Galatasaray almost made it 3 when a shot on the 18 yard line was just past the right post.

 

There were only two highlights in the 2^nd half worthy of mention.

 

Half way through the 2^nd half and Emre had a glorious chance to score the equaliser.    A fast Ankaragucu break on the right and an excellent cross was sent to the back post where Emre was unmarked.    However, his header was sent just past the right post when it looked easier to score   !       Apart from that aberration, Emre probably had his best match in an Ankaragucu shirt   !

 

Just before the full time whistle and another mistake in the Ankaragucu defence gifted the ball to a Galatasaray attacker.     However, his goal bound shot was well saved by Bahadir.

 

So, a disappointing end to a match which in all honesty Ankaragucu should have rescued with at least a point.

 

Confidence must still be high, and with more work on the Training Field this week, the team should be fired up to win all 3 points on Sunday at home against mid-table Kayseri.   

 

As I said at the beginning, Ankaragucu need to put points back in the league table and that must start on Sunday........... nothing else but 3 points will do  !!!

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim