Başakşehir falls to Craiova, must win in Romania to advance
İstanbul Başakşehir suffered a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Romanian side Universitatea Craiova in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie. The loss, which was the club's first of the season, puts them in a difficult position, as they now need to secure a victory in Romania to keep their European hopes alive and advance to the league phase of the competition.
İstanbul Başakşehir's journey in the UEFA Conference League has hit a major roadblock after a 2-1 home loss to Universitatea Craiova in the first leg of their play-off tie. Playing at Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium, the Turkish side conceded goals to Alexandru Cicaldau in the 45+2nd minute and Carlos Mora in the 61st minute.
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Başakşehir's lone goal came late in the game from Festy Ebosele in the 87th minute, providing a glimmer of hope for the second leg. The decisive return match will be played on Thursday, August 28, in Craiova, Romania, at Ion Oblemenco Stadium.
This was Başakşehir's first loss of the season in their sixth official match across all competitions. Before this defeat, the team had three wins and two draws in five matches, scoring 11 goals while conceding just five.
Injury and debut
The match was also marked by an unfortunate injury to Brazilian defender Leo Duarte, who had to be stretchered off the field in the 43rd minute with a right knee injury. His place was taken by Jerome Opoku.
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On a brighter note, new signing Abbosbek Fayzullaev made his debut for the club. The 21-year-old Uzbek midfielder, who was signed from Russian club CSKA Moscow, came on in the 76th minute for Deniz Türüç.
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Ebosele scores first goal
The late goal from Festy Ebosele was a highlight for Başakşehir. The Irish player, who was brought on as a substitute in the 83rd minute, found the back of the net just four minutes later for his first-ever goal with the club. Ebosele had joined the team during the last winter transfer window from Italian side Udinese.
Now, Başakşehir faces a difficult challenge. They must overcome the one-goal deficit on the road against a formidable Craiova side to avoid an early exit from the competition.
