Kelechi Iheanacho is giving Bursaspor another reason to believe in their promotion push, with the Nigerian striker continuing a scoring run that has helped transform their season.
His latest contribution came on Sunday, when Bursaspor recovered from an early setback to defeat Keçiörengücü 4-2 in a six-goal contest and climb to the top of the Turkish 1. Lig table.
The result extended Bursaspor’s winning run in the league to three matches, while Iheanacho’s remarkable form continued to make headlines. He has now scored in 12 consecutive games, taking his season tally to 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances, according to the supplied report.
But the afternoon was not without its complications for Bursaspor, who had to overcome a lively first half contest before eventually securing the points.
Keçiörengücü took the lead in the seventh minute when Bursaspor defender Emirhan Başyiğit scored an own goal, putting the visitors on the back foot early.
Bursaspor responded eight minutes later, with Amine Boutrah restoring parity in the 15th minute. Lewis Baker then turned the game around in the 35th minute, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage.
The hosts refused to let the game slip away. Oğuzcan Çaliskan equalized in the 43rd minute, ensuring the teams went into half-time level at 2-2 after an eventful opening period.
Kelechi Iheanacho delivers after the restart
Five minutes into the second half, Iheanacho supplied the moment that put Bursaspor back in front.
Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, the forward dribbled into a promising shooting position before finding the net to make it 3-2. It was another example of the finishing and individual quality that have underpinned his extraordinary scoring streak.
Bursaspor strengthened their grip on the match in the 66th minute when Brazilian midfielder Lincoln scored to extend the lead to 4-2. Lincoln had also provided the assists for Bursaspor’s three earlier goals, making his contribution central to the visitors’ attacking display.
His evening ended less comfortably, however. Lincoln was booked for a foul in the 84th minute and received a second yellow card moments later for dissent, leaving Bursaspor to see out the closing stages with 10 men. they held on to claim all three points.
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The victory lifted Bursaspor above Kayserispor into first place, with 28 points from 12 matches. Their latest success also marked a fourth win in their last five games, strengthening their position in the promotion race.
Keçiörengücü, meanwhile, remain fifth on 20 points. The defeat was their second of the season and ended a 10-match unbeaten run.
Bursaspor will look to build on their momentum when they host Bandırmaspor on Saturday. Keçiörengücü are scheduled to visit Esenler Erokspor on Friday as they seek an immediate response.
