In a nail-biting Turkish Super Lig encounter, Ghanaian defender Jerome Opoku emerged as the unlikely hero for Başakşehir, scoring a dramatic 90+1st-minute winner to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Antalyaspor.
The thrilling match saw both teams create numerous chances, but it was Opoku’s header that ultimately proved the difference.
The early stages of the game saw Başakşehir dominate possession, with Deniz Türüç causing problems for the Antalyaspor defense. In the 5th minute, Türüç whipped in a corner from the left wing, only for Hamza’s header to sail narrowly over the bar.
As the first half progressed, Antalyaspor began to grow into the game, with Saric coming agonizingly close to opening the scoring in the 26th minute. The forward’s powerful shot from the left diagonal struck the unfortunate Hamza and rebounded off the crossbar, leaving the scores level at the break.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with both teams pushing for the elusive opening goal. Başakşehir looked the more likely to break the deadlock, but they were repeatedly denied by some resolute Antalyaspor defending and a string of fine saves from goalkeeper Leite. As the clock ticked down, it seemed as though the match was destined to end in a stalemate.
However, in the first minute of stoppage time, Başakşehir was awarded a corner that would ultimately prove decisive. Türüç, who had been a constant threat throughout the game, delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right corner, finding the towering figure of Opoku in the heart of the penalty area. The Ghanaian defender rose highest to power a header past the helpless Leite.
