Emmanuel Boateng scored his first goal of the 2025–26 Turkish Super Lig season, but it proved only a consolation as Gaziantep FK fell 2-1 to Eyupspor at the Kalyon Stadium on Saturday evening.
The 29-year-old Ghanaian forward, who had gone nine matches without a goal, struck in stoppage time to halve the deficit after a dominant display by the visitors. But his late effort was not enough to salvage a point for Gaziantep, who continue to struggle for consistency this season.
Eyupspor started brightly and were rewarded after just 10 minutes when Umut Bozok calmly converted a penalty to put the Istanbul-based side ahead. Gaziantep pushed for a response but lacked precision in the final third.
Their hopes of a comeback faded further in the 88th minute when substitute Halil Akbunar doubled Eyupspor’s lead, finishing off a swift attacking move to put the game beyond reach.
Boateng, however, offered a glimmer of hope in the dying seconds. Latching onto a clever through-ball from Romanian midfielder Deian Sorescu, the former Levante and Dalian Pro striker slotted home confidently to open his account for the season.
Ghanaian winger Prince Obeng Ampem also featured late on for Eyupspor after replacing Mame Thiam in the 85th minute, but his introduction had little impact on the closing stages.
Despite the defeat, Boateng’s first goal of the campaign could boost his confidence as Gaziantep look to turn their season around in the weeks ahead.
