Victor Osimhen hits brace for Galatasaray in tough win at Rizespor
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen (Photo credit: Imago)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored a brace for Galatasaray in their hard-fought 2-1 win over Rizespor at the Caykur Didi Stadyumu.
Osimhen missed Galatasaray’s 4-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League playoffs last weekend, but he returned to the lineup when they squared off against Rizespor on Monday.
The Super Eagles star had a silent first half, as Rizespor dominated the play and created more chances in the final third. However, Osimhen got into the game in the second half.
It took Osimhen just two minutes into the second half to register his name on the scoresheet. The former Napoli man jumped highest to head in a cross from Przemyslaw Frankowski to make it 1-0 after 47 minutes. Two Rizespor defenders heavily marked Osimhen before the cross, but he still managed to climb high and plant the header into the net.
Unfortunately for Galatasaray, their lead did not last as Ali Sowe scored the equaliser for Rizespor. Nigerian forward Babajide Akintola was the supplier, as he did most of the job before laying it off for Sowe, who finished with aplomb from close range.
The second half was end-to-end, with chances flying at both ends. But they failed to convert until Osimhen took the initiative in the 86th minute. A corner was played in from the right side of Galatasaray’s attack. A header from Mario Lemina changed the ball’s direction, and Osimhen, who was lurking, was in the right place to send the ball nestling in the net.
That goal was enough to give Galatasaray all three points at Rizespor to maintain their six-point lead over Fenerbahce at the summit of the Super Lig.
Can Victor Osimhen lead Galatasaray’s comeback at AZ Alkmaar?
Victor Osimhen’s next assignment is to lead Galatasaray’s comeback against AZ Alkmaar at Rams Park. The Lions must win the second leg by three goals after losing 4-1 in the first leg. Osimhen was suspended for the first leg but is eligible for the second.
With the Super Eagles star back in the attack, the Turkish kings will have some confidence. Galatasaray have a sharp forward line, and if they all click, it could be a rout for their Dutch opponents.
