Hatayspor 4-1 Ankaragücü

 

I’m still too angry to talk about this match after another embarrassing defeat this time 4-1 at Hatayspor. It all started soo well when Borven gave Ankaragücü the lead after nice build up play from Endri and Saba. But a moment of absolute madness and selfishness from Joseph Paintsil saw Ankaragücü again have to play a large part of the match with 10 men.

Hatayspor were too good for Ankaragücü especially with 10 men and Babajide Akintola got a standing ovation for his performance scoring 2 goals along with Mame Biram Diouf to give Hatayspor all 3 points.

The contrast between these two clubs are quite significant. One has managed to build one of the most entertaining teams in Turkey with excellent scouting and picking up bargains. The other (Ankaragücü) have now signed nearly 40 players in the Fatih Mert era and not one of them has performed at an acceptable level.

On Wednesday we move onto Galatasaray who are the form team in the league and another uphill task for Ankaragücü.

GENCLERBIRLIGI – THE WINLESS SEQUENCE CONTINUES !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Gencler won’t have a better chance of halting their winless sequence of matches than they had today at the Eryaman Stadium when they played against 10 man Malatya for 50 minutes.

 

It is now 9 consecutive matches played without winning and Gencler must now seriously consider playing next season in The Championship if the elusive win doesn’t come soon.

 

With 69% possession today they only managed 3 shots on target, and with all due respect to Malatya, they probably won’t have a better chance than they had today against a very average Malatya team.

 

GENCLERBIRLIGI           1                 Yeni Malatyaspor              1

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Johanssen, Arda, Mustafa, Pehlivan, Candeias, Piris, Soner, Lucas Mugni, Ayite and Sandro Lima

 

Substitutes – Polomat, Yilmaz, Yildirim and Sertn

 

Both teams were set-up for attack, but it was Malatya who looked more likely to open the scoring in the first 20 minutes until a vital decision swung the match the other way.    

 

In Gencler’s first serious attack, Ayite broke free, but as he was about to enter the box and shoot, he was brought down by Semih and went sprawling into the box.     The referee immediately produced the yellow card, but before the free kick could be taken he received a message in his earpiece.      He then consulted VAR and returned to the field to produce a RED card and off Semih went.

 

Gencler took control of the match at this point and almost opened the scoring 8 minutes later when Soner had a great chance.    A cross came in from the right and Soner shot inside the 6 yard box only to see his shot well saved for a corner.

 

5 minutes later following yet another Gencler corner, there was a quick clearance and the quick break was on.   Kaya and Tetteh raced away together with the Gencler defence caught out and Kaya made an inch perfect pass to Tetteh who shrugged off a defender’s challenge and shot inside the right post.

 

Gencler continued to attack the 10 men and Johanssen was unlucky to see his shot from just outside the box hit the bar.     Then, just before the half time whistle Soner had his free kick from just outside the box well saved for a corner.

 

Hibs loanee, Stevie Mallan, had a fairly quiet 1^st half and was replaced by Ankaragucu ‘olde boy’, Umut Bulut.

 

Into the 2^nd half and 10 man Malatya was weathering the Gencler attacks and it seemed to me at this stage of the match that they would hold out for all 3 points.    However, Gencler received a helping hand from Lady Luck in the 60^th minute.     Ayite sent a screamer of a shot from just outside the box which hit the post, bounced off, hit the grounded goalkeeper, and ricocheted off him and in.

 

10 minutes later it was Gencler’s turn to see RED when Ayite brought down Tetteh from behind when he was in full flow and heading for the penalty box.   

 

5 minutes later and Malatya missed a golden opportunity to win the match when Mustafa was put through one-on-one with Nordfeldt, but his shot went just past the post.

 

Gencler move off the bottom spot of the league at least until tomorrow.     If Ankaragucu can take at least one point off Hatay then Gencler will once again prop the league up.

 

Two upcoming crucial matches for Gencler to haul themselves out of trouble.    However, unless they can find inspiration in the final 3^rd to score goals, it will be a big ask.    They travel to Gaziantep on Tuesday and are back at home next Sunday against Basaksehir.

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Hatayspor vs Ankaragucu match preview!

 

The last few games we have been must win games for Ankaragucu against fellow relegation candidates Erzurumspor, Kayserispor and Rizespor. Unfortunately Ankaragucu took only 2 points from those games and leave themselves a mountain to climb with the run of fixtures coming up. 

First up is a tough away match against high flying Hatayspor who have been a breath of fresh air since their promotion to the Super Lig. The good news for Ankaragucu is Star player Aaron Boupendza is suspended for Hatay after picking up a yellow card in their last match. Boupendza has been arguably the best player in the Super Lig this season since his remarkable 100k move to the club in the summer. 

Boupendza is just one example of the excellent scouting work that has went on at Hatay with the likes of Adama Traore, Rayanne Abaid, David Akinola, Mame Biram Diouf and Moahmmed Kamara all impressing. 

Mohammed Kamara was picked up on a free transfer from Menemen in the Turkish 2nd tier while Boupendza a 100k signing from the 2nd tier in Portugal. While Ankaragucu continue to sign failure after failure and build a team with loan signings, Hatay have got it right and Boupendza is in talks this week over an 8 Million Euros move to Krasnodar in Russia. 

Hikmet Karaman took control of his 2nd Ankaragucu match last weekend and will be disappointed they never took all 3 points against a poor Rizespor side. Team selection with Atilla and Saba both starting was a big mistake and those two should not find themselves in the starting line up this week if Ankaragucu have any hope of taking anything from the game. 

A change of formation may be the right move for Karaman with 4-4-1-1 an option. Endri can come into that left midfield position and Saba can take his place on the bench. Sarlija will return from suspension while Badji is also available for selection after he picked up a knock.

The last time the two sides met Ankaragucu won 2-0 at home and will be hoping or a similar performance this time round. They are 5 points from safety and its looking more unlikely as the weeks go by that the team can get out of this relegation fight. 

The key factor for Ankaragucu in this match will be keeping it tight at the back and taking any chances that come their way. Hatay are a very good attacking side and its important Ankaragucu keep their shape and dont give away any silly chances. 

My Team

Korcan -GK- Has cemented his place as Number 1 under Hikmet Karaman and will need to be at his best as he will likely be busy this weekend.

Kitsiou - RB - Hopefully with the last 2 full games under his belt he is getting back to full fitness whcih will come at a crucial time for the club.

Sarlija - CB - Will return to the starting line up after suspension and a welcome addition.

Kulusic - CB - Played in the last 2 games and will likely get the nod ahead of Erdi.

Pinto - LB -Need him to be fit, a key player when he is in the team but too often injured this season.

Lukaskik - CM - Again one of the first names on the timesheet and his experience will be vital tomorrow. 

Voca - CM - Slowly getting better with the run of games in the team. His passing forward can be vital for the attacking players when playing on the counter attack.

Endri - LM - Should come back into the team ahead of Saba. Important if he is given the opportunity that he keeps the ball and creates for the attacking players. Also vital at set pieces. 

Geraldo - RM - Has shown in his short spells when coming on that he is good with the ball and can also put a good cross into the box for the likes of Borven and Badji.

Paintsil - FW - Paintsil works had and i would like to see him in a more central position just off the main striker who he can support, but also fall back into midfield when we are defending. 

Borven - Striker - Played the last two games and scored an important goal at the weekend. Best finisher in the team and should keep his place in the team.

ANKARAGUCU FIRING BLANKS ........AGAIN !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Ankaragucu scorned a great opportunity to make a genuine attempt to exit the relegation zone tonight in the Eryaman Stadium.

 

With 72% possession in the 1^st half they should have had the ammunition to put the match to bed against an average Rize team.   However, they finished the match with 55% possession and ran out of ideas how to break down the Rize defence.

 

ANKARAGUCU          1                       Rizespor             1

 

Team – Korcan, Kitsiou, Kulusic, Erdi, Atila, Ibrahim, Voca, Saba, Lukasic, Paintsil and Borven

 

Substitutes – Endri, Pinto and Geraldo

 

Ankaragucu shot themselves in the foot in the 2^nd minute of the match with some schoolboy defending from Rize’s first attack.    A pass was made inside the Rize half to the left where an attacker had all the time in the world to control the ball and send in a cross to the back post which should have been dealt with by Erdi.    However, he allowed Donsah first bite and he sent in a header just inside the right post with Korcan flat-footed probably expecting Erdi to clear the ball.

 

Ankaragucu was up to their old negative tactics of having lots of possession in their own half and midfield, but clueless what to do with the ball in the final third  !     Also, the 4 Ankaragucu corners were weak and sent straight to Rize defenders at the near post with none of them going into the danger zone where the Ankaragucu attackers were waiting.     This is something for Hikmet Bey to resolve   !!!

 

Ankaragucu eventually had a shot on target on the half hour mark but Paintsil shot tamely at the goalkeeper when he really should have buried it   !

 

Half time approaching and I must confess to thinking that we would lose this match when Borven showed his predatory instinct 2 minutes into time added on.    Ankaragucu had a free kick just outside the box on the right which was sent into the danger zone and headed clear by a defender straight to the unmarked Borven.    He calmly stroked the ball in to the right with the goalkeeper stranded.

 

Ankaragucu only had one other serious effort in the 2^nd half when Endri’s goal bound free kick just outside the box was well saved.    From the resultant corner, Kulusic (I think) headed just past the post.

 

Korcan saved a goal bound shot at the other end when he saved at the near post from a free kick on the right.

 

Ankaragucu move above Gencler at the bottom with both on the same points.     However, with Ankaragucu still 5 points off the safety zone the future is looking gloomy.  

 

Taking only 1 point from fellow strugglers Rize and Kayseri last week does not bode well for the run-in, especially the next 5 matches against quality opposition.    Hatay (6^th), Galata.....spit.....saray (1^st), Fatih (8^th), Goztepe (10^th) and Trabzon (4^th).

 

It goes without saying that Ankaragucu must take something from those matches starting with the visit to Hatay on Saturday.

 

As always, we live in hope   !!!

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

GENCLERBIRLIGI IN CRISIS !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Gencler slumped to defeat in Denizli yesterday and have now gone 8 matches without winning.

 

They were outplayed in the 1^st half and conceded to an excellent goal of individual brilliance.

 

Gencler stepped up their momentum in the 2^nd half but for all their efforts only managed one shot on target out of 12.    The others were wild shots sent high and wide with no danger for Cenk in the Denizli goal.

 

It was pleasing to see old Ankaragucu Captain, Hakan Kutlu, on the touchline for Denizli.    No criticism of Hikmet Karaman intended, but he is the next Ankaragucu Coach  (I told you first  !!).

 

Denizlispor            1                       GENCLERBIRLIGI          0

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Polomat, Toure, Arda, OmurCan, Piris, Soner, Ayite, Furman, Candeias and Sandro Lima

 

Substitutes – Mugni, Srdan, Pehlivan and Ilker

 

It was clear from the outset that Denizli was determined to attack and they set out 4-3-3 to do it.

 

Rodallega hit the post with a shot just outside the box in the 13^th minute, and that set the scene for the 1^st half with Gencler pinned back in defence for the most part.

 

5 minutes later and Mesanovic picked up a pass on the half way line and made for the penalty box.    With 2 defenders playing catch-up, he still had time to look up and guide his shot just inside the right post with Nordfeldt just managing to get his fingertips to the ball.    A classic striker’s goal   !

 

Rodallega and Sagal were a constant threat throughout the match and again Rodallega was unlucky on the half hour mark when his goal bound shot was deflected at the last second for a corner.

 

The only moment of danger for Denizli came half way through the 2^nd half when Soner had a great chance to hook the ball into the unguarded goal at the far post, but somehow he contrived to miss the ball completely and it went out of play.

 

Rodallega had 2 more chances to increase the lead for Denizli.     The first was well saved by Nordfeldt and the second was a long range shot which hit the post and was then saved by Nordfeldt.

 

Gencler’s confidence must be shot to pieces and they could very well end up bottom of the league tomorrow night if Ankaragucu beat Rize.     However, they have a glimmer of hope with a home match against struggling Yeni Malatya next Friday.    The stark reality is that with time running out, Gencler must start winning points.   One point from their last 8 matches is a relegation statistic   !!

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Ankaragucu vs Rizespor match preview!

 

We have been saying it for a month now, but Monday nights match with Rizespor is another must win match for Ankaragucu if they are to have any chance of staying in the Turkish Super Lig. Spirits are high after a hard fought point against Kayserispor last weekend despite playing 70 minutes of the match with 10 men due to the Michal Pazdan sending off. 

Its another match against a relegation candidate on Monday as Ankaragucu host Rizespor knowing only a win will be acceptable as the team need to start picking up 3 points. Hikmet Karaman marked his return as manager and you can already see the togetherness of the squad, and his influence in the training ground. Some of his tactical decisions were the reason Ankaragucu took a point from last weekends match. 

Michal Pazdan will miss out due to suspension after his ridiculous challenge that let his team mates down. It could signal the end of his Ankaragucu career unless he proves in training that he deserves a second chance. Atakan Cankaya picked up an injury and will also miss out. 

Ante Kulusic marked his return to the team for the first time in 5 months with an excellent performance at the back. He will likely come into the starting line up with Erdi Dikmen due to the suspension of Sarlija. Pinto should also return which is a boost for the team. 

Borven was given the nod up front and will likely start again as Hikmet kept faith with the Norwegian for 90 minutes last week. It will be important for Ankaragucu to create chances for Borven and Endri Cikici replacing Emre Gural could be an option. 

Daniel Lukasik has shown how important he is to the team in midfield and will hopefully come back into the starting line up alongside Voca. They will be vital to protecting the defence while getting the ball forward quickly to the attacking players. 

Rizespor have only won 1 of their last 11 games in the Super Lig and lost 2-0 at home against Erzurumspor last weekend. They won 5-3 the last time the two sides met after a controversial sending off of Alper Potuk. 

Thankfully for Ankaragucu the man who played a huge part in that victory Loic Remy misses out due to injury. Former Ankaragucu players Gokhan Akkan and Konrad Mikhalak will both likely start with the former in particular a key player for the club. 

Brian Samudio is a player i have always liked for Rizespor and will be one of the main dangermen in attack. This is however a game Ankaragucu should be winning and have more than enough quality to take the 3 points. 

Predicted Team

GK - Korcan  - Man of the match last weekend with multiple important saves. He will keep the number 1 jersey for the time being. 

RB - Kitsiou - Looked rusty in the first half last week, but he was outstanding in the 2nd half and will be regaining that match fitness at an important time.

CB - Kulusic - Will make his first start after an impressive return to the team last week. His experience could be invaluable for the remainder of the season.

CB - Erdi - Will likely start due to suspensions of Pazdan and Sarlija while Atakan is out injured. Needs to keep things simple and concentrate for 90 minutes. Hopefully Kulusic next to him will be a help.

LB - Pinto - Should return to the lineup after missing last weeks game. 

CM - Voca - Played ok last week but still feel he has more to offer, hopefully with a run of games we will see the best of him.

CM - Lukasik - One of the first names on the team sheet when fit. 

RW - Paintsil - Played well last week, want to see more from him in attack this week as a lot of his work was done defensively due to the team playing with 10 men.

LW - Saba - For me he has 1 more game otherwise he will be dropped to the bench. He has had 1 good month the whole season back in December and is now back to poor passing, poor finishing and just running up and down the pitch. 

CAM - Endri - Surprised last week when Emre took his place in the team. He was poor and Endri should come back in and take his place. 

CF - Borven - Worked hard last week without any service in attack. Hopefully this week we can be on the front foot and create chances for him.

GENCLERBIRLIGI – STILL SEARCHING !!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

Gencler is still searching for their first win since the 6^th of January after 6 defeats and 1 draw in their last 7 matches.

 

They were no match for Beshiktrash today in a snowy Ankara as they toiled to deal with the crisp passing and fast breaks by BJK.

 

Cenk returned to Besiktas from England and he put the match to bed late in the 2^nd half with 2 goals after heroics by Nordfeldt to keep Gencler in the match with a string of excellent saves.

 

GENCLERBIRLIGI           0               Besiktas            3

 

Team – Nordfeldt, Johanssen, Arda, Toure, Polomat, Soner, Furman, Candeias, Lucas, Yilmaz and Ayite

 

Substitutes – Stancu, Sertn and Ilker

 

Besiktas was straight into attack from the off and they scored a sublime goal in the 3^rd minute.   Ghezzal was about 25 yards out on the right when he received a pass.    He drifted past a defender’s attempted tackle and fired in a bullet to the top left corner of the goal with Nordfeldt diving in despair.

 

Nordfeldt was the hero in the 21^st minute when he saved a certain goal when one-on-one with an attacker.

 

Gencler had their only genuine chance of the match on the half hour mark when Candeias was one-on-one with the Besiktas goalkeeper, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper as he rushed out to narrow the angle.

 

The 2^nd half was mostly all about the continued heroics of Nordfeld as he thwarted Besiktas on numerous occasions.     However, he could do little about the 2^nd goal when Besiktas broke fast on the left and a precise pass was played into Cenk who stroked the ball in with Nordfeldt helpless.   VAR was used, but the goal was allowed.

 

3 minutes into time added on and the Gencler defence was caught out again with a fast break.    The ball was played to the left goal-line where Arda should have dealt with it, but he somehow got himself in a tangle and was robbed of the ball.    It was cut-back to the unmarked Cenk who gave Nordfeldt no chance with his shot inside the right post.

 

The statistics don’t favour Gencler who had only 1 shot on target in the match as opposed to Besiktas who had 9.

 

Gencler is back in action on Saturday when they travel to bottom Club Denizli who have 18 points.    Gencler sit in 3^rd bottom place on 20 points, and sandwiched between them is Ankaragucu on 19 points.

 

It’s a big ‘6 Pointer’ and is sure to be a tense struggle.   

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim