Gaziantep FK staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Sivasspor 2-1 during the 24th week of the Trendyol Süper Lig, held at the Gaziantep Büyükşehir Stadium. The match was particularly significant for both sides, impacting their positions as they aim to avoid relegation.
The encounter began rather disappointing for the hosts, who found themselves trailing by one goal early on. Sivasspor took the lead when Rey Manaj converted from the penalty spot, scoring in the 26th minute after referee Ozan Ergün awarded the penalty following Simic's foul inside the box. With Manaj's confident shot, the visitors claimed the advantage, making it 1-0.
Despite the early setback, Gaziantep FK demonstrated resilience. They equalized just seven minutes later when Kacper Kozlowski seized the opportunity from Halil Dervişoğlu's assist, firing the ball past the goalkeeper and restoring parity at 1-1.
The match continued to be competitive and action-packed, with both teams trading opportunities. Gaziantep had numerous chances to take the lead, including attempts by Maxim and Okereke, who were denied by Sivasspor’s keeper, Ali Şaşal Vural, on several occasions. The first half concluded with both teams at 1-1, setting the stage for an intense second half.
The second half saw Gaziantep FK stepping up their offensive efforts. They maintained the pressure on Sivasspor, showcasing their attacking prowess, yet they struggled to convert their chances until the dying moments of the match.
With time running out, Gaziantep FK found their moment of glory. Deep in injury time, Arda Kızıldağ headed the ball home from Sorescu's perfect cross, sealing the victory at 2-1. The joy from the home crowds echoed through the stadium as Kızıldağ celebrated, marking one of the most thrilling finishes of the season.
This victory was not just about the three points; it was also pivotal for Gaziantep FK, lifting them to 29 points and positioning them 10th on the league table. Their home strength is becoming evident, as they secured their seventh win from the last nine home matches, proving to be one of the most challenging teams to face at their venue.
On the other hand, Sivasspor faced disappointment, remaining at 23 points and dropping to 15th place. Their coach, Ömer Erdoğan, expressed his frustration post-match: "Son dakika golüyle mağlup olmak üzücü. Maça iyi başladık ve öne geçtik. İlk yarı rakibe hiç pozisyon vermedik," indicating his team's solid first-half performance followed by mistakes leading to the defeat. He lamented missing opportunities and highlighted moments where they could have secured points.
Reacting to the match, Gaziantep FK’s coach, Selçuk İnan, was delighted with the outcome, stating, "İkinci yarıda da biraz daha baskılıydık. Dediğim gibi en nihayetinde zor bir maçtı. Ama oyuncularımı kazandıkları için tebrik etmek istiyorum," acknowledging the tactical adjustments and the hard-fought victory.
The match also sparked varied opinions about the officiation, especially calls made during key moments, with controversy brewing over perceived inconsistencies. Erdoğan remarked on the referee's performance, highlighting decisions he found questionable, whereas İnan disagreed, saying, "Hiç katılmıyorum. Bence biz de, esasında birçok arkadaşımız da içeride hakemden şikayetçi oldu. Bunlar tabii oyunun içinde oluyor ama hiç bu şekilde katılmıyorum."
This thrilling victory for Gaziantep FK not only boosts their morale as they aim to climb their way out of the relegation zone but clearly sets the stage for Sivasspor to reassess their strategies moving forward. Both teams will now prepare for their next matches with intense focus and determination to secure safer positions within the league.
Gaziantep FK’s strong home record continues to shine, but both coaches will surely be analyzing the performance to improve their squads as the season progresses.