Göztepe defeats Trabzonspor in friendly match

Trendyol Süper Lig side Göztepe faced Trabzonspor at Gürsel Aksel Stadium as part of their new season preparations. The special match also served as the testimonial for 37-year-old İsmail Köybaşı, who won championships while playing for both clubs.

Göztepe started the match with a starting eleven of Arda, Bokele, Taha, Sonko, Arda Okan, Miroshi, Antunes, Matos, İsmail, Henrique, and Armstrong. Trabzonspor took the field with a squad consisting of Onuralp, Nwaiwu, Savic, Pina, Cabral, Malinovskyi, Bouchouari, Saviolo, Muçi, Aral Şimşir, and Onuachu.

İsmail Köybaşı, who was substituted in the 7th minute of the match, left the pitch on his teammates' shoulders, waving to the stands to bid farewell to his professional football career. Emotional moments were experienced at Gürsel Aksel Stadium, as fans chanted in support of İsmail Köybaşı for a long time.

Although both teams played a balanced game in the first half, Göztepe won a penalty in stoppage time. After Armstrong was brought down in the penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot. Sonko, who stepped up to take the penalty, found the back of the net in the 45+4th minute to put his team 1-0 ahead, setting the score for the first half.

Both teams started the second half with player substitutions. Göztepe increased the pressure immediately after the break and doubled their lead in the 50th minute with a goal from substitute Janderson. Trabzonspor responded in the 53rd minute with a goal from another substitute, Metehan Mimaroğlu, bringing the score to 2-1.

With no further goals in the remainder of the match, Göztepe defeated Trabzonspor 2-1 and left the friendly match with a victory.

News Source: İHA