Victor Osimhen may not have scored, but he changed everything.
The Nigerian hitman came off the bench to inspire defending champions Galatasaray to a heart-stopping 3-1 victory over previously unbeaten Kasimpasa at RAMS Park on Thursday night, despite playing with 10 men.
Red Card Turns The Tide
Galatasaray had looked in control after Abdulkerim Bardakci headed them in front just before halftime from Aleksey Batrakov’s pinpoint delivery.
Kasimpasa goalkeeper Andreas Gianniotis was in inspired form, denying the hosts time and again.
Then disaster struck in the 65th minute. Lucas Torreira’s yellow card was upgraded to red after VAR review, leaving Galatasaray with 10 men.
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Kasimpasa pounced. Three minutes later, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi smashed home a loose ball to level the score. The visitors, the only unbeaten team in the league before kickoff, had conceded just five goals in six games and suddenly sensed an upset.
Osimhen Magic Seals It Late
Coach threw on Osimhen, and the stadium erupted.
The Super Eagles striker brought urgency, power and fear to Galatasaray’s attack. In the 80th minute, he came inches close to scoring, only to be denied by the brilliant Gianniotis.
But the pressure finally told. In the 90th minute, Baris Alper Yilmaz restored the lead with a clinical left-footed finish inside the box.
Deep into stoppage time, Osimhen turned provider, setting up Mario Lemina to slot home and seal the 3-1 win.
It was a night of heroes, Batrakov outstanding from set pieces, Yunus tireless with his movement, but it was Osimhen who turned a tense night into triumph.
The result takes Galatasaray to 16 points from seven matches, while Kasimpasa suffered their first defeat of the season and remain on 10 points.
