Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen returned to action for Galatasaray as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 loss to Genclerbirligi in the quarter-final of the Turkish Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.
After over a month on the sidelines, Osimhen returned to Galatasaray's bench for their Turkish Cup quarter-final clash against struggling Genclerbirligi at Rams Park.
Galatasaray were heavy favourites going into the game, given their superior quality with players like Mauro Icardi and Leroy Sane on the pitch. Also, in terms of pedigree, the Cimbom are the far bigger side. Moreover, they had met in the Super Lig last weekend, and it was Galatasaray that emerged victorious.
As such, Osimhen was only supposed to earn a cameo to regain his match fitness after spending the last few weeks out. However, Galatasaray were in for a shock.
They dominated the first half, but they failed to score. They struggled to create enough clear-cut chances in the final third, and the opportunities that fell to Icardi and Noa Lang were not converted.
In the second half, the visitors grew bolder and tried to create some opportunities of their own. It took them just six minutes after the restart to take the lead, courtesy of Firatcan Uzum.
Galatasaray responded strongly to falling behind, but they continued to struggle in front of goal. Okan Buruk then introduced Osimhen in the 78th minute in a bid to muster a comeback. However, just five minutes after his introduction, Genclerbirligi scored their second through Adama Traore.
Unfortunately for Galatasaray, Osimhen could not save the day, and it ended 2-0 after 90 minutes. The loss automatically knocks Galatasaray out of the Turkish Cup, meaning they will be unable to defend the title they won last season.
Victor Osimhen To Be Fully Unleashed Against Fenerbahce
Victor Osimhen's appearance against Genclerbirligi was intended only to get him match-fit. Unfortunately, the result ended poorly for Galatasaray.
However, he is expected to lead the line for the Cimbom when they face Fenerbahce in the Turkish Super Lig this weekend.
That game could potentially dictate the direction of the Super Lig title race, and the Super Eagles star will be fresh and ready to go for the encounter.
Galatasaray will be hoping to bounce back strongly from their Genclerbirligi exit and claim all three points when they welcome their Istanbul neighbours to Rams Park.
