ANKARAGUCU ..........NERVES OF STEEL !!!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

(Headline suggested by Battle Damaged Kanka Damon .....and so appropriate   !!)

 

Ankaragucu progressed into the Quarter Finals of The Turkish Cup last night when they gave a disciplined and professional performance, and were more than a match for pre-match favourites, Besiktas.      More performances like this and Ankaragucu will be saying goodbye to the lower reaches of the Super League  !

 

With the match heading into Extra Time, Ankaragucu could have been excused for flagging, but amazingly they kept searching for the winning goal.

 

Then it was into the dreaded penalties pantomime and the tension was clear to see on the faces of the players and Coaches.    Ankaragucu kept their nerve and all four penalties were despatched with precision, while Gokhan put up the shutters to deny Besiktas and send all of us long suffering Ankaragucu fans into raptures.

 

Without resorting to Google, it has been many years since Ankaragucu reached this stage of The Turkish Cup and they need fear no team when the draw is made for the Quarter Finals   !!

 

ANKARAGUCU            1                Besiktas             1

(After Extra Time)

Ankaragucu win 4-3 on penalties

 

Team – Gokhan, Kevin, Atakan, Radakovic, Marlon, Tolga, Diack, Zahid, Emre, Tasos and Ali Sowe

 

Substitutes – Giorgi, Pedrinho, Firatcan and Yasin

 

Omer Bey started with an attacking formation and that’s exactly how Ankaragucu approached the match.

 

However, they were almost caught-out in the first minute of the match when a weak back-header presented a chance for Besiktas, but Gokhan was a split-second ahead of the attacker and cleared the danger.

 

2 minutes later and Ankaragucu had the ball in the net, but the Linesman’s flag was up for offside which was the correct decision.

 

10 minutes later Ankaragucu made no mistake with a superb constructed goal when Tasos crossed from the left to Emre on the right.    Emre’s measured side-footed pass was straight to Ali in the centre and he stroked the ball in for the opening goal.

 

It was mostly all Ankaragucu until the half time whistle and they really should have put the match to bed.

 

Emre almost scored the 2^nd on the 20^th minute mark when his goal bound shot from the right was heading inside the left post, but it was well saved for a corner.

 

10 minutes later and another chance was passed-up when Emre with some fine footwork sent in an inviting cross to Ali in the 6 yard box, but amazingly he blasted the ball over the bar.

 

A few minutes later and another chance was spurned after great work by Kevin on the right.    He crossed for Tasos on the left, but the ball took a slight deflection off a defender and Tasos miscued the ball and it went out of play.

 

On the balance of play in the 2^nd half it is probably true to say that Besiktas deserved their equaliser, and Gokhan no doubt deserved my Man of the Match award   !!

 

However, Ankaragucu had another chance to grab the 2^nd goal a few minutes into the 2^nd half when Atakan sent his header just past the top right.

 

15 minutes later and Atakan was floored by a hand or arm by a Besiktas player after the ball had moved on.    The referee pulled out the RED card immediately but after strong protests by the Besiktas players, he consulted the VAR, returned to the field of play and cancelled the RED and produced a Yellow.     I’m not 100% sure of exactly what happened at the incident, but it does seem to me that the referee may have been put under pressure to rescind the RED card.     There is sure to be divided opinion on this incident   !!!

 

Approaching the half way stage of the 2^nd half and Gokhan made a crucial save from a goal bound shot.     But ............ 5 minutes later and the equaliser, and unfortunately Cenk was not picked-up as he drifted into the far post area.    The free kick from the right was only parried by Gokhan and Cenk was on hand to score an easy goal.

 

Some teams would have succumbed to Besiktas pressure at this point, but Ankaragucu continued to defend stoutly and attack when possible.    It is quite obvious that Omer Bey has the Ankaragucu players fighting for the badge on their shirts   !!!

 

With 10 minutes to go another weak back-pass by an Ankaragucu defender almost gifted Besiktas the winning goal, but Gokhan came to the rescue and cleared the danger.

 

Extra time was played with both teams obvious to the danger of conceding.     Gokhan made another save from a header going inside the right post, and then Firatcan made a goal line clearance sending the ball over the bar for a corner.

 

End of the match and into Penalties to decide the winner   !!

 

All 4 of Ankaragucu’s penalty takers (Tolga, Ali, Marlon and Pedrinho) kept their nerve and sent 4 excellent penalties in.

 

Gokhan saved Besiktas’s 2^nd penalty which had to be retaken when the Linesman indicated that Gokhan had strayed off his line.     Amazingly, he also saved the 2^nd attempt   !!     Then when Gokhan saved the 5^th penalty it was all over   !!!

 

We were all leaping around The Bira Park Bar high fiving and singing.     Also, the fans in the Stadium were going mental   !!!

 

A great night to be an Ankaragucu Supporter. !!!

 

Onwards and upwards, and Ankaragucu travel to Konya on Monday on Super League business.

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

GENCLERBIRLIGI’s ‘NEW TEAM’ ALMOST STAGE A REVIVAL IN FORTUNES !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Last night in Izmir I witnessed two teams desperate for all 3 points to pull out of the relegation zone.    So, it was an attacking match and end-to-end for the most part.

 

There were only four players from the 1^st half of the season who started for Gencler, with new players brought in during The Window to try and save Gencler’s season.

 

It is too early to comment on Gencler’s survival chances with the new players added to the squad, but at least they didn’t ‘hang their heads’ when they fell behind.

 

Gencler has been cut adrift at the bottom of the league and must find points ........and soon   !     Currently they are 12 points below the safety net.

 

One thing for sure is that it won’t get any easier in the next 2 weeks with Gencler playing teams in the top half of the league.

 

Altinordu               2                      GENCLERBIRLIGI            1

 

Team -  Nurullah, Mohammed, Abdullah, Alperen, Thomas, Baris, Tiago, Mete, Erkan, Gabriel and Jaime

 

Substitutes – Enes, Ozgur, Gokhan and Altiparmak

 

Altinordu almost opened the scoring for Gencler in the 4^th minute when a shot was deflected off a defender, but the goalkeeper was quick to react and touched the ball behind for a corner.

 

One minute later and it was Nurullah brought into the action when he saved a goal bound shot for a corner.

 

4 minutes later and Altinordu was awarded a penalty when a player was brought down in the box.    However, the referee was directed to VAR and he awarded a free kick to Gencler for a handball in the build-up to the penalty decision.

 

15 minutes in and the Altinordu goalkeeper made another great save from a Gencler goal bound header.

 

The break through came 5 minutes later when Gencler was awarded a free kick just outside the box left of centre.      The goalkeeper had set-up his wall to protect his left post, but he was slow to react when Gabriel sent his shot inside the right post.

 

It was almost 2 just before the half time whistle when Mohammed clipped in a shot on the half volley from a cross on the left.     However, the referee was again directed to the VAR and a free kick awarded to Altinordu for a Gencler offside in the build-up.

 

The match continued to be an end-to-end affair with Altinordu having the killer instinct and Gencler scorning scoring opportunities.

 

The 2^nd half was only 5 minutes old when Altinordu found the equaliser with a scrappy goal.    A corner on the left was not dealt with by the defence when the ball came into the 6 yard box and Ozgun was on hand to bundle the ball in with his body.

 

Altinordu went ahead 15 minutes later with the goal of the match.    Emircan sent in an angled shot just outside the box on the left to just inside the right post.

 

Gencler kept searching for the equaliser but their finishing was wayward with shots flying over and past the posts.

 

With 15 minutes to go they almost found it when a shot from outside the box was deflected goal bound, but the goalkeeper made a great save to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

 

Altinordu was hanging on in the last 5 minutes and hoofing the ball out of their box anywhere for safety.   

 

On the balance of play, I think it is fair to say that Gencler deserved one point for their endeavours, but ............... as we all know ............ the round ball must be placed between the sticks   !!!

 

Next up is a home match against Bolu on Saturday 21^st January.     Bolu sit in 5^th top position in the league and are only 2 points behind 2^nd top spot.     So, as I said before, another difficult match for Gencler to negotiate (aren’t they all   ??!!).

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU ENCOUNTER A HUMAN BARRIER !!!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

There was no doubt that the Adana Demirspor goalkeeper, Ertac Ozber, was Man of the Match last night as he put up the shutters to deny Ankaragucu at least a share of the spoils.

 

Also, the referee, must shoulder the responsibility of denying Ankaragucu a goal in the 1^st half when he consulted VAR and disallowed what was a perfectly good goal.    Having watched the replay of the incident a few times, he should have been able to see quite clearly that it was ‘a dive’ by the defender who should have received a yellow card for his obvious theatrics   !!

 

I hope that the TFF are brave enough to go public and admit that a mistake was made, and then issue a demotion of the referee to the lower leagues, or .......... am I just dreaming   ??!!

 

Anyway, I lost count of the times Ertac came to the rescue of Adana Demir and he had the Ankaragucu players (and us) shaking their heads in disbelief at some of his saves.

 

On the other hand, and at the other end of the field of play, the Ankaragucu goalkeeper, Bahadir, was having a nightmare and must shoulder the blame for at least 2 of the Adana goals   !

 

So, Ankaragucu’s push up the table is put on hold yet again and they find themselves only 2 points above the relegation zone.

 

Adana Demirspor           3                    ANKARAGUCU           1

 

Team – Bahadir, Marlon, Mujakic, Radakovic, Kevin, Tolga, Taylan, Lamine Diack, Emre Kilinc, Giorgi Beridze and Ali Sowe

 

Substitutes – Zahid, Tasos, Atakan, Frederico and Pedrinho

 

The Kankas met-up in The Bira Park Bar – Gorgeous Kankie Hazal, Maniac Kanka Harun, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon and yours truly.

 

It took until the 19^th minute for the first real action, when as I said in my introduction, the referee disallowed an excellent goal.     Ali Sowe dispossessed a defender near the left corner flag when the defender quite clearly took ‘a dive’.     Ali took the ball along the goal line and cut the ball back for the unmarked Emre in the centre who stroked the ball in for the opening goal.

 

The referee had given the goal and was then surrounded by Adana players protesting and I can only guess that he caved-in to the pressure and agreed to consult the VAR.    Amazingly, he returned to the field and awarded a free kick against Ali.     A diabolical decision which has surely tarnished the reputation of the TFF   !!!

 

Adana almost scored 5 minutes later when Bahadir fumbled a catch from a cross but the attacker who latched on to the ball screwed his shot wide.

 

On the half hour mark and Ali scored a great goal after fine work by Giorgi who crossed into the box for Ali.      However, the flag was up and the replay showed that Giorgi was clearly offside when he received a pass before he crossed the ball.

 

A few minutes later and Marlon’s back pass was poor and almost resulted in an Adana goal.

 

At the other end, Ertac made a great save from an equally great goal bound shot from Taylan.

 

Then, a critical tackle by Mujakic was made to deny Adana a goal scoring chance.

 

Into time added on in the 1st half and Ankaragucu scored their 3^rd goal when Emre sent his shot into the corner, but ........... again the flag was up and the replay showed that he was only offside by a whisker   !!!

 

At this point in the match, I was thinking that this was not going to be one of Ankaragucu’s days, despite the fact that they were playing some neat attacking football, and so it proved   !

 

The 2^nd half was only 3 minutes old when Adana made the break through.    A fast break on the left and an inch perfect cross to the unmarked Sari on the right who had the easiest of chances of stroking the ball in.

 

Ankaragucu continued to attack and Emre was denied 7 minutes later when he shot past the post when ideally placed to score.

 

However, the equaliser arrived 5 minutes later from a corner on the right when Radakovic rose highest in the box to head in.      A goal reminiscent of Sinan’s headed goals from corners last season   !!!

 

Ankaragucu should have gone ahead 3 minutes later after some excellent play by Taylan who’s pass to Emre gave him the chance to score but his shot was well saved by Ertac.

 

However, it was Adana who went ahead 2 minutes later from a free kick just outside the box.    Akbaba sent his shot in straight at Bahadir who somehow contrived to miss it.    A shocking piece of goalkeeping by Bahadir and he will not want to watch the action replay   !!!

 

Ankaragucu kept searching for the equaliser and it should have arrived 2 minutes later when they hit the bar from inside the 6 yard box and then the header from the rebound was cleared.

 

Another great chance to score the equaliser was thwarted by Ertac 7 minutes later when Zahid’s goalbound shot to the top right was acrobatically saved for a corner.

 

The match was more-or-less put to bed 3 minutes later when Inler avoided a half-hearted tackle and sent in a fierce shot from outside the box to inside the left post which Bahadir had covered but failed to save.

 

Ankaragucu still pressed forward and Radokovic had 2 chances to pull a goal back.    The first was another great save by Ertac and the second effort was just past the post.

 

Despite Ankaragucu continuing where they left off last week with crisp passing, excellent running off the ball and an attacking mentality, they came up short and were unlucky to find Ertac in such commanding form.

 

Damon also mentioned, and I quote ............. ‘as intense as this match has been, there has been cameradie between the teams’.     Agreed, and unusual to see in these days   !!

 

On we go to the next league match which will be a visit to Konya on Monday evening 23^rd January,

 

However, before then, there is Turkish Cup business to attend to in the Last 16 of the Cup.    Ankaragucu will be at home to Besiktas on Wednesday 18^th January KO 5.45pm.     Damon and I will attempt to obtain tickets for this match and be there in The Eryaman Stadium.

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Ankaragücü 2-1 Kayserispor - Match Report!

After 2 defeats since the Super Lig started back Ankaragücü need a win today as they have been pulled back into that relegation battle. Kayserispor were without some of their key players which added more pressure for Ankaragücü to take all 3 points.

Team - Bahadir, Malcuit, Nihad, Uros, Marlon, Diack, Tolga, Taylan, Beridze, Emre, Ali Sowe

Subs - Nurullah, Macheda, Arda, Furkan, Tasos, Atakan, Pepe, Pedrinho, Firatcan, Oguz

Kayserispor started the match brighter and we’re getting joy down that right hand side of Ankaragücü. Kemen and Mane both had early chances but neither could hit the target when they should have done better.

Kayserispor would take the lead minutes later. Marlon was caught out down the left hand side and the ball was played into the box for Cardozo who put the ball past Bahadir to make it 0-1.

Ten minutes later former Ankaragücü player Ilhan Parlak hit the post from a free kick which looked like Bahadir also got an important touch.

Ankaragücü only sprung into life in the last 15 minutes of the half and on the 37th minute Ali Sowe got them back on level terms. A great ball into box from Marlon and Ali brilliantly headed into top corner to make it 1-1. He really is such an important player for the team with his all round work rate and hold up play.

Half Time 1-1

Into 2nd half and Beridze had an early chance but Bilal saved easily in the Kayserispor goal.

The 2nd goal came on the 63rd minute, and it was great play from Ali Sowe to set up Emre Kilinc who blasted the ball past Bilal from a tight angle to make it 2-1.

Five minutes later Ali Sowe had another chance after Tolga set him up but he placed his shot wide of the post.

Emre Kilinc was then put through on goal from a long ball by Bahadir but he took a bad touch and Bilal came out to collect the ball.

With a minute to go Malcuit set up Tasos but the Greek winger shot wide with the ball slightly behind him. Marlon made an important challenge at the other end on the counter attack.

Ali Sowe had a chance at the very end but again shot wide and the score remained 2-1 as Ankaragücü took all 3 points. A huge win for the team and Omer Erdogan has them playing some good football.

There were many good performances today especially in the 2nd half but special mention for Lamine Diack, Tolga Cigerci and Ali Sowe who were excellent.

Next up is Adana Demirspor away next weekend!

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2023

 

Greetings to all Kankas, Regular Readers and Visitors.

 

On behalf of our two Webmasters – Oz Kanka Chris and Bellshill Kanka Nady – I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a Happy New Year 2023.

 

With the season at the half way point there have been mixed fortunes for both Ankara teams with Ankaragucu attempting to consolidate their position in The Super League and Genclerbirligi attempting to avoid relegation from The Championship Lesgue.

 

We have done our best to keep this website/blog going during these difficult times and have tried to meet-up on a regular basis either at The Eryaman Stadium or our meeting venue in Kizilay, The Bira Park Bar.

 

Nady and I will continue to keep our reports of matches and other news going for the remainder of the season.      

 

It is not looking very hopeful for Gencler to avoid the drop, but as we all know in football, miracles do happen from time to time.

 

The new Ankaragucu Coach, Omer Erdogan, has given Ankaragucu a massive lift and it looks likely that he will succeed in maintaining Ankaragucu’s top flight status.

 

My next report of Ankaragucu’s visit to play Galatasaray will be up here on Thursday.   

 

In the meantime, here are some photos from yester-year to bring a few smiles and sniggers.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Ha ha ha .............. ho ho ho .............. good olde days.       More good days to come ............ Insallah   !!

ANKARAGUCU - SUPER LEAGUE CONSOLIDATION IS INTERRUPTED !!!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

     

I’ll start at the end again, because Nihad Mujakic’s post-match interview comments last night said it all, and both Harun and I agree with him.

 

He apologised to the large number of supporters who turned up for this mid-week fixture, but his main point was when he said that Ankaragucu had under-estimated Umraniye.    He went on to say that in the future Ankaragucu would be better prepared for the opposition   !!

 

It may only have been Umraniye’s 2^nd win of the season, but it was well deserved.    After the shock of conceding a goal in the first minute of the match, they never stopped chasing the ball and giving Ankaragucu players no time on the ball.

 

Ankaragucu was a pale shadow of the team which had played so well last week against Antalya.

 

Although Ankaragucu did have 60% possession and 22 shots on goal, they found ‘old boy’ Serkan in sparkling form between the sticks.    Also, I lost count of the times that passes went astray and 50/50 balls were lost.

 

The bottom line ............. Ankaragucu is still a work in progress   !!!

 

ANKARAGUCU               1                        Umraniye            2

 

Team – Bahadir, Kevin, Radakovic, Mujakic, Yasin, Tolga, Emre, Zahid, Pedrinho, Jese and Ali Sowe

 

Substitutes – Giorgio, Marlon, Taylan, Tasos and Oguz

 

The match took only 1 minute to explode into life when Ankaragucu opened the scoring with their first attack.     An attack down the right wing and the ball was crossed to the near post to Zahid who shot around Serkan and inside the left post.

 

The expectation of an onslaught on the Umraniye goal never materialised and Umraniye was quick to reply.

 

The equaliser arrived 7 minutes later with a fast Umraniye attack down the right and crossed in for Avounou to latch onto the ball and power his way into the box.   With Jese, Yasin and Radakovic asleep and ball watching the skill of Avounou, he had the easiest of opportunities to stroke the ball in with Bahadir exposed and helpless.

 

Serkan was busy at the other end making an instinctive save and Zahid’s shot from just inside the box was heading for the top right but was deflected by a defender for a corner.

 

Then on the half hour mark a lucky let-off for Ankaragucu when an Umraniye shot on goal hit the underside of the bar and bounced into the grateful arms of Bahadir.

 

It was end-to-end football at this stage with both goalkeepers busy.    Approaching half time and Bahadir made a crucial save following an Umraniye corner.

 

Serkan made another great save from a goal bound shot and almost on the half time whistle Tolga had a great opportunity to restore Ankaragucu’s lead but his shot was just over the bar.

 

10 minutes into the 2^nd half and Umraniye snatched the lead when the dangerous Avounou was on target again.     A corner on the right by Geraldo landed at the feet of Avounou in the centre who sent a fierce shot inside the right post, which may have taken a slight deflection off Tolga’s head.

 

At this point Ankaragucu lost the plot and Umraniye started to take control of the match.    Ankaragucu’s passing became wayward and at times they were like headless chickens with Umraniye taking full advantage.     Ankaragucu continued to give the ball away cheaply and it was Umraniye looking the likelier team to score.

 

Tasos did have a chance near the final whistle but his shot was well past the post after an excellent lofted through ball to him.

 

A disappointing result after having high expectations, but as I said before, the best team won the match and Ankaragucu can have no complaints about losing.

 

Ankaragucu may still be in 11^th position in the league, but they are only 2 points above the relegation zone  !

 

They now have only one week to prepare for the trip to Istanbul to face an in-form Galatasaray on Wednesday night 4 January.

 

This will be a real test of Ankaragucu’s character and organisation to face a team who could very well be top of the league if they beat Sivas tomorrow.

 

Give us all a Happy New Year Ankaragucu........please    !!!

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim