Süper Lig
Rizespor Rallies Twice Early Before Late Own Goal Sinks Gaziantep FK
Emrecan Bulut and Ali Sowe put Rizespor in control by halftime, but Zakaria Ariss' 90th-minute own goal handed the hosts a dramatic defeat.
Rizespor rode a blistering start to hand Gaziantep FK a 2-1 defeat at the Gaziantep Stadyumu, with the visitors scoring twice inside the opening 35 minutes before a dramatic own goal in stoppage time decided the outcome.
The match burst to life in the 12th minute when Emrecan Bulut capitalized on a precise through ball from Mithat Pala, slotting home calmly to give Rizespor an early lead. The goal set the tone for a confident away performance, with the visitors exploiting the space behind Gaziantep FK's backline.
Ali Sowe doubled the visitors' advantage just before the half-hour mark, finishing off a flowing counterattack that began with Emrecan Bulut's incisive pass. The strike left Gaziantep FK scrambling to recover, and Rizespor's 4-1-4-1 shape under Recep Uçar looked well-drilled and difficult to break down.
Gaziantep FK entered the break trailing 2-0 and without a shot on target, prompting questions about their attacking cohesion. Coach Mirel Rădoi's side shifted to a more aggressive approach after the interval, pushing forward in search of a lifeline.
The hosts finally found a route through in the 60th minute when Attila Mocsi earned Rizespor's first booking, a yellow card that seemed to galvanize Gaziantep FK. Enver Kulasin kept up the pressure, and although the hosts created chances, Rizespor's defensive shape held firm.
As the clock ticked toward full time, Gaziantep FK sensed an opening. A surge of energy in the final third led to Dal Varesanovic receiving a late yellow card for Rizespor, but it was not enough to halt the home side's momentum.
In the 90th minute, Gaziantep FK's persistence paid off in the most unexpected way. A cross into the box was met by Zakaria Ariss, whose header looped over his own goalkeeper and into the net, sparking celebration among the home supporters despite the own goal being scored by a Rizespor player.
The dramatic finish offered a brief moment of hope, but it was not enough to change the outcome. Rizespor's resilience in the face of late pressure earned them all three points, with goalkeeper and defense holding firm through 90 minutes of play.
Referee B. Kolak brought the match to a close, confirming a memorable night for Rizespor and a heartbreaking end for Gaziantep FK, who will rue the missed opportunities that could have secured a point.
The result lifts Rizespor to 13th place with three points after two matches, while Gaziantep FK remain in sixth position with four points. Both sides will reflect on lessons learned as the Süper Lig campaign continues into its next round.
For Rizespor, the win provides momentum and confidence, particularly with their attacking duo of Bulut and Sowe combining effectively. Gaziantep FK must address defensive lapses and find a way to convert pressure into goals more consistently.
The atmosphere at the Gaziantep Stadyumu remained tense until the final whistle, with supporters from both sets of fans acknowledging the drama of a match that delivered late excitement and a controversial twist.
Looking ahead, Rizespor travels to face stronger opposition, while Gaziantep FK hosts a team currently above them in the table, making every point crucial in the early stages of the Regular Season.
This defeat marks a significant missed opportunity for Gaziantep FK, who showed character in fighting back but were ultimately undone by a single moment of misfortune in stoppage time.
Rizespor, meanwhile, can celebrate a disciplined and clinical performance that yielded results when it mattered most, ensuring they return home with maximum points from their away fixture.