Konyaspor vs Ankaragucu match preview!

 

Ankaragucu enter the most important week of the season so far with games against Konyaspor and then the Ankara derby on Sunday. All 3 clubs are fighting relegation and the outcomes will go a long way in determining the clubs fate come the end of the season. 

Another fantastic result at the weekend for Ankaragucu as they kept another clean sheet and won 1-0 against Antalyaspor. The 3 points take the team out of the relegation zone and gives them confidence going into tomorrows game with Konyaspor. 

One of the first things Hikmet Karaman did when he came back to the club, was tighten up the defence. The team have kept 4 clean sheets since his return with only Hatayspor and Trabzon scoring more than 1 goal against Ankaragucu. 

Michael Pazdan came back into the side at the weekend in place of Sarlija who had to make do with a place on the bench. The Pole has came in for criticism this season with some of his performances and the sending off at Kayserispor. Against Antalyaspor he was back to his best and played a big in the 3 points alongside Thiago Pinto, Ante Kulusic and Stelios Kitsiou.

Thiago Pinto also returned to the starting line up and arguably put in his best performance of the season. Defensively he made 2-3 last minute blocks to stop clear goals, and he again put in a beautiful cross for Borven who scored the only goal of the game. 

When Ankaragucu signed Torgeir Borven back in the summer, it was seen as something of a coup for the club. He had an excellent scoring record in the Norwegian Premier League. Both Fuat Capa and Mustafa Dalci for some reason decided Jonathan Bolingi and Emre Gural were better options in attack. Hikmet Karaman has again shown his man management by putting trust in Borven and he has repaid his manager with his 10th goal of the season and is now a key player. 

The home side Konyaspor will be difficult opponents and are on good form under Ilhan Palut with only 1 defeat in their last 8 games including winning their last 2. On paper they have too good a team to go down with the likes of Deni Milosevic, Petr Skubic, Jesse Sekedika and can even call on Farouk Miya from the bench. They will likely play a 4-2-3-1 formation which Ankaragucu can match up to.

The last time the two sides met Ankaragucu ran out 4-3 winners in a 7 goal thriller. Hikmet Karaman will be hoping for a better defensive performance this time round but a similar outcome taking all 3 points. If Ankaragucu can finish this week of with 4 points from the two games it will be a great week for the club. 

GENCLERBIRLIGI MAINTAIN WINNING RUN !

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Gencler produced another surprise yesterday when they returned from Alanya with all 3 points.     

 

Alanya started the season extremely well and was looking like a team who was destined for a Champions League slot.    However, they have fallen away in the 2^nd half of the season, but before the match yesterday was looking likely to win a place in the Europa League.    That may be a dream if they keep losing home matches against the bottom of the league clubs.

 

Having disposed of Fenerbahce and Kasimpasa in recent weeks, this was another big scalp taken by Gencler and keeps them in the fight to avoid relegation.

 

Alanyaspor                1                      GENCLERBIRLIGI             2

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Johansson, Mustafa, Arda, Pehlivan, Soner, Piris, Yilmaz, Yildirim, Candeias and Lima

 

Substitutes – Diego, Stancu, Mugni, Drdan and Onurcan

 

The Ankaragucu v Antalya match was on at the same time, so I was unable to watch the match.    But from the statistics of the match it seems that Gencler snatched the 3 points by taking the few chances offered.

 

Alanya had 72% possession, 90% pass accuracy and 8 shots on target.

 

Gencler 28% possession, 68% pass accuracy and only 3 shots on target

 

No doubt there will be serious words and repercussions from the Alanya Coach today   !!!

 

Johansson opened the scoring in the 8^th minute and Alanya equalised approaching half time.    The winner was scored near the end of the match by substitute Stancu who returned to the squad after a lengthy absence.

 

Having looked like a doomed team last month, there will be another chance for Gencler (in 3^rd bottom position) to perhaps move out of the relegation zone on Wednesday when they host 2^nd bottom Erzurum.

 

The situation in the bottom half of the league is becoming tense with only Denizli looking likely to take the drop as things stand at the moment.     The other 3 positions are still being fought out and should provide some interesting matches in the last few matches of the league  !!!

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU RETURN TO WINNING WAYS !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

A fortuitous, but crucial 3 points won by Ankaragucu today, but they rode their luck, especially in the 1^st half when it was Antalya who created all of the few chances on offer.

 

Ankaragucu had to wait until the 70^th minute of the match to have their first shot on target  !!!

 

In hindsight, Antalya have only themselves to blame for losing after playing the boring game of pass-back to the goalkeeper for long periods, which probably accounted for their 60% possession.    Also, their shooting in good positions was wayward which probably gave Ankaragucu some measure of encouragement as the match progressed in the 2^nd half.

 

ANKARAGUCU           1                       Antalyaspor            0

 

Team – Korcan, Kitsiou, Kulusic, Pazdan, Pinto, Ibrahim, Alper, Endri, Saba, Geraldo and Borven

 

Substitutes – Paintsil, Badji and Voca

 

It took until the 14^th minute of the match for the first real action when Pinto cleared a dangerous attack.

 

9 minutes later and Antalya had another chance when a cross came in from the right, but the Antalya attacker had a downward header which Korcan easily saved.

 

5 minutes later and it was Pazdan to the rescue when he broke up an Antalya attack and cleared the danger when the attacker was about to shoot.

 

Ankaragucu had their first chance 5 minutes later when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box, but Alper sent his shot around the wall and just past the post.

 

5 minutes later and Podolski almost scored for Antalya, but his goal bound shot was deflected for a corner.     Then 2 minutes later an Antalya attacker was well placed to score and scuffed his shot past.

 

In the last action of the 1^st half Saba missed a great chance to score when he received a pass from the left inside the 6 yard box, but he tried to control the ball instead of connecting first time and the ball was cleared.

 

So, Ankaragucu was perhaps fortunate to go in at half time all square, thanks to the efforts of the defence and some slow and sloppy play from Antalya.

 

On the resumption, Antalya had two good chances to open the scoring.    Firstly, an attacker missed an open goal after a quick breakaway when he sent his shot high and wide.   Then, Korcan saved a shot in the 6 yard box.

 

It took until the 70^th minute for Ankaragucu to have their first shot on target and it was almost the opening goal.    From a free kick just outside the box, Endri’s shot was going in just under the bar but the goalkeeper made a great save to tip the ball over.

 

12 minutes later and the break through  !      Pazdan set the move up on the half way line with a pass to the left.    The cross came in and Borven ghosted in between 2 defenders to bullet a header in with the goalkeeper helpless.    A fantastic striker’s goal   !!!

 

There was just time for one more Ankaragucu goal attempt when Paintsil was put through on goal.    He saw the goalkeeper well off his line and tried to take advantage, but although the idea was excellent, the shot was weak and the goalkeeper was able to collect.

 

So, an excellent end result which takes Ankaragucu out of the relegation zone, but it is still very tight down there with teams scrapping for points.    

 

Yet another crucial match coming up on Wednesday when Ankaragucu travel to Konya.     There is no love lost between those 2 teams so we can expect a very close match, but with Hikmet Bey’s tactical genius there is every hope that Ankaragucu can bring at least one point back to Ankara.

 

It is quite obvious that Ankaragucu is not for quitting.    So, as always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Trabzonspor 4-1 Ankaragücü match report

 

The 4-1 scoreline flattered Trabzonspor who were the better side and deserved the 3 points, but Ankaragücü could easily have come away with a point if it hadn’t been for a couple of costly errors and the brilliant Ugurcan in the Trabzonspor goal.

Team - Freidrich, Pinto, Sarlija, Kulusic, Atilla, Ibrahim, Endri, Paintsil, Geraldo, Saba, Borven

Subs - Korcan, Badji, Assane, Emre, Orkan, Pazdan, Erdi, Ali Kaan, Voca

Ankaragücü were dealt a blow when Alper and Kitsiou were both ruled out due to injury. Both players have been key to the recent good form. Thiago Pinto came in at right back which is always difficult for a left footed player as it effects the balance. While Paintsil came in for Alper. For me that was the first mistake Karaman has made as it left the team exposed in midfield and too open.

As I predicted Ekuban and Djaniny caused Ankaragücü problems all afternoon and took only 7 minutes to give Trabzonspor the lead. Djaniny saw his shot saved by Freidrich but it was parried into the path of Ekuban who had a tap in to make it 1-0.

It took Ankaragücü 20 minutes to equalise and it came after Geraldo was founded in the box and the referee awarded a penalty. Up stepped Ibrahim to make it 1-1.

Only 2 minutes later the Djaniny and Ekuban duo combined again as the later turned Kulusic in the box and finished past Freidrich to make it 2-1.

A horrible 5 minute period for Ankaragücü saw Trabzonspor go 3-1 up this time Sarlija was dispossessed on the half way line by Djaniny, who ran through on goal before rounding Freidrich and Atilla before putting the ball in the net. 

Djaniny nearly scored again after an excellent ball from the brilliant Bakesetas but Freidrich made a good save.

Just before half time Ugurcan made a brilliant double save from Saba and Endri after nice play from Geraldo. The save form Endri in particular really was top class.

Half Time 3-1

Into second half and it was all Ugurcan. First up was a good save from Saba, then he made a good save from Badji who should have done better.

Borven had a chance on the 74th minute but he blasted his shot wide and then 5 minutes later a great ball in from Geraldo for Badji but the big striker headed wide.

Edgar Le made sure of the 3 points for Trabzonspor in the final minute after a mistake from Korcan to make it 4-1. As said a deserved win for Trabzonspor who are a good side but Ankaragücü played well for 70 minutes of the game. 

Next up is a huge game against Antalyaspor next Sunday which is a must win (for you Miguel) we will have the preview midweek.

GENCLERBIRLIGI STILL UP FOR THE FIGHT !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

There is no denying Gencler’s fighting spirit   !!   After 11 matches without a win, they have now managed 2 consecutive wins and move up one place off the bottom of the league above Denizlispor, at least until tomorrow.

 

GENCLERBIRLIGI           2             Kasimpasa           1

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Johanssen, Arda, Mustafa, Pehlivan, Soner, Piris, Candeias, Yildirm, Ayite and Lima

 

Substitutes – Yilmaz, Diego, Mugni and Polomat

 

It was all Kasimpasa in the 1^st half with Gencler only having one serious shot on goal.

 

Kasimpasa’s first chance came in the 10^th minute when a sweeping move sent the Gencler defence scurrying back, but the final effort was just past the post.

 

10 minutes later and it was Nordfeldt to the rescue when he saved a goal bound header from a corner.

 

Gencler’s first chance came 3 minutes later but Soner’s shot was just past the post.

 

Kasimpasa had 2 more good chances before the half time whistle, but both were saved by Nordfeldt.

 

Kasimpasa was weaving pretty patterns all over the field in the 1^st half with 72% possession but nothing to seriously trouble Nordfeldt.

 

Into the 2^nd half and again Nordfeldt made a great save 6 minutes in with a point blank save   !

 

Then 8 minutes later, against the run of play, Gencler struck.   A breakaway on the right and Candeias crossed for Yilmaz to nip in between 2 defenders and bullet a shot into the top right.

 

Kasimpasa wasn’t finished and they equalised in the 65^th minute when they had an attack down the left.   The cross came in, which eluded everyone in the box, but Yusef was unmarked on the back post and he shot inside the left post for an excellent predator’s goal.

 

That was it ........ I thought.     However, Gencler produced the goal of the match when they attacked down the left.    The cut-back came in from the goal line and Yilmaz was there to cheekily back-heel the ball inside the left post to deceive everyone ...... and the goalkeeper.

 

That was it .......... I thought.    Still one more piece of action when Pehlivan tripped an attacker in the box with only 10 minutes to go.    The referee pointed immediately to the penalty spot, but there was a VAR moment before his decision was confirmed.

 

Hajradino sent his kick to the right which Nordfeldt parried, and his shot on the rebound was blasted over the bar  !!!

 

So, even with only 29% possession and only 2 shots on target, Gencler took all 3 points, which leaves the fight in the relegation zone even more intense.

 

Next up is an away match against Alanya on Sunday 4^th April and another chance for Gencler to escape from the relegation zone.

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Trabzonspor vs Ankaragucu match preview!

 

Saturday May 2010 was the last time Ankaragucu took all 3 points against Trabzonspor thanks to a Robert Vittek goal and a 1-0 win for Ankaragucu. Vittek would then go on to sign for Trabzonspor the next season after all the financial problems caused by the Gokcek family. 

If you had asked any Ankaragucu fan 2 months ago if the team could win at Trabzonspor they would likely have laughed. Since then Hikmet Karaman has come in and made it 3 wins 2 draws and 1 defeat in his first 6 games since returning to the club. Even more impressive is that the 3 wins came against Galatasaray, Fatih Karagumruk and Goztepe. 

Its not just the performances on the park that have impressed everyone under Karaman. You just need to follow the clubs Twitter page or his Instagram page and you will see the work that goes in off the field, even things like Marketing, Social Media and promoting the official club shop. 

Hikmet Karaman has breathed life back into Ankaragucu. A club that was down and wounded with players suffering with fitness and confidence. 

The first thing Karaman has changed in the team as he looks to guide Ankaragucu to safety, is the defence and how the team defend .Ankaragucu were leaking goals almost every match. But they now look more solid and organised with Sarlija and Kulusic forming a strong partnership at the back. 

Geraldo again impressed last week and its no just about him building on his fitness as he hadnt played much football when joining Ankaragucu. Captain Stelios Kitsiou was back to his best last weekend with 2 assists and again proving why he is one of the best wing backs in the Super Lig. 

On the opposite side of the pitch Karaman again preferred to go with Atilla Turan who chipped in with his 1st assist of the season against Goztepe. 

The team will go to Trabzon with confidence after the 3-0 win against Goztepe last week. It was an excellent overall performance and again Borven showing if you create opportunities for him he will score. 

The Trabzon match will be another difficult match. But another one which Ankaragucu can take points from. Its the same old story from Trabzon which has been the same ever since I have been following Turkish Football. They tend to get off to a bad start, before going on a good run where they look like they can challenge but then fail in some of the must win matches. 

They have a lot of good attacking options in Nwakaeme, Yusuf Sari, Caleb Ekuban and Djaniny who after a slow start has looked impressive. The problem with Trabzon is inconsistency and although they have looked better at the back, you still fancy your chances of scoring against them. 

If Ankaragucu can stop the likes of Nwakaeme and Djaniny and stay organised they have the pace with the likes of Saba, Geraldo and Paintsil to punish Trabzonspor on the counter attack. The key to the match will be the defence and making it difficult for Trabzons attacking players. 

Early team news, Korcan Celikay has returned to full training while Daniel Lukasik and Alper Potuk are both carrying knocks and will be evaluated. 

GENCLERBIRLIGI GIFTED THREE POINTS !!!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

This was not so much a revival, as an off-day for Fenerbahce who were a shadow of the team they have been in recent weeks.

 

This match had ‘home banker’ written all over it with Fener challenging for a Champions League position and playing against the league basement team.

 

However, not for the first time, Gencler tore up the script and made Fener ‘eat humble pie’   !!

 

It was all going according to plan when Fener took the lead, but then they folded and Gencler took advantage of their profligacy.

 

Also, Gencler has appointed their 4^th Coach of the season, which is surely a world record   ??!!   He is Ozcan Bizati who has been around the Turkish leagues for a good few years and was Assistant Coach for Gencler and Ankaragucu among his many Clubs.

 

Fenerbahce             1                          GENCLERBIRLIGI            2

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Pehlivan, Akbas, Arda, Johanssen, Soner, Piris, Ayite, Yildirim, Candeias and Lima

 

Substitutes – Mugni, Yilmaz and Srdan

 

Fener started the match with a swagger and scored after 8 minutes, but it was correctly ruled offside.

 

2 minutes later Nordfeldt pulled off a great save when one-on-one with an attacker.

However, the goal finally arrived in the 34^th minute when Filip headed in at the back post from a free kick on the right.

 

Cue .......... Fener goal rush   ??!!       Wrong !!!     4 minutes later it was 1-1 after a calamity in the Fener defence.     A cross came in from the left which Altay had covered, but his defender, Aziz, stepped in ahead of him and deflected the ball into the net.     We can only wonder what Altay said to him   !!!

 

Just before the half time whistle Lima had a chance to score, but Altay was a split second ahead of him and smothered the ball.

 

Into the 2^nd half and I could sense Fener’s frustration.    They probably couldn’t get their head around the fact that Gencler was not ‘lying down’ and settling for 1 point.    The frustration turned to panic in the 62^nd minute when Gencler took the lead.

 

It was a great move down the right with inter-passing and when the cross came in from the right, Ayite was first to it and he bulleted a header inside the right post with Altay helpless.   There was some hesitation by the referee before awarding the goal to check VAR, but the goal was given.

 

Fener was in panic mode as the clock ran-down and were guilty of hurried passes going astray, but they almost equalised in time added on when a shot hit the post and was cleared.

 

So, the record book will show a win for Gencler, but I doubt if we will see such a ragged and listless performance like this from Fener again this season.

 

Gencler’s first win in 12 attempts, but they are still propping up the league.    If it really is a Gencler revival then they will have to prove it against fellow strugglers Kasimpasa next Saturday.    This match will be the acid test   !!!

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim