Gaziantep FK - Başakşehir
The Süper Lig brought together Gaziantep FK and Istanbul Basaksehir on May 16, 2026, for a match that promised plenty of tactical drama. Both teams entered the pitch with clear ambitions, setting the stage for a hard-fought contest in front of an expectant crowd.
Basaksehir's Explosive Start
The visitors clinical nature was on full display in the opening stages of the game. Just six minutes after the start, Abbosbek Fayzullayev delivered a pinpoint assist to find Davie Selke, who finished with composure to give Istanbul Basaksehir an early lead. The pressure from the away side did not relent, and in the 22nd minute, they were awarded a penalty. Eldor Shomurodov stepped up to the spot and confidently doubled the advantage. However, the visitors suffered a setback shortly after when the opening goalscorer, Selke, had to be substituted for Nuno Da Costa due to injury.
Gaziantep Fights Back
Following the halftime break, Gaziantep FK emerged with renewed energy and a determination to claw their way back into the match. Their persistence paid off in the 59th minute when Deian Sorescu set up Christopher Lungoyi, who found the back of the net to make it 1-2. This goal shifted the momentum, prompting a flurry of tactical changes. Gaziantep introduced Ogun Ozcicek and Ali Osman Kalin to bolster their attack, while Basaksehir looked to steady the ship with substitutions including Onur Bulut and Hamza Gureler.
As the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark, the match became increasingly physical. A string of yellow cards followed, with Kazimcan Karatas, Deian Sorescu, and goalkeeper Muhammed Sengezer all being booked during a frantic closing period. Despite a late yellow card for Alexandru Maxim as Gaziantep pushed for a last-gasp equalizer, the referee’s final whistle confirmed a narrow but crucial victory for Istanbul Basaksehir.
