Osimhen hits target as Galatasaray thrash Kayserispor in four-goal rout

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Galatasaray delivered a dominant all-round performance to thrash Kayserispor 4–0 in their Turkish Super Lig clash on Sunday.

The hosts set the tone early when Kayserispor defender Aaron Opoku turned the ball into his own net in the seventh minute while attempting to clear a dangerous cross, handing Galatasaray a deserved early advantage after sustained pressure.

Victor Osimhen doubled the lead midway through the first half, calmly converting from the penalty spot in the 26th minute after Bilal Bayazit fouled a Galatasaray attacker inside the box.

The Nigerian striker, who has been a constant menace to opposition defences this season, once again combined physical presence with composure, anchoring the attack and creating space for those around him.

Galatasaray tightened their grip on the contest after the break and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Osimhen turned provider. Collecting possession just outside the area, he laid the ball neatly into the path of Gabriel Sara, whose fierce strike from distance left the goalkeeper helpless and effectively ended Kayserispor’s resistance.

The visitors briefly thought they had pulled one back through Miguel Cardoso, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, denying them any route back into the contest.

Mauro Icardi put the finishing touches on the victory deep into stoppage time, converting a penalty in the 94th minute after VAR intervened once again to confirm the referee’s original decision. Although Bayazit got a hand to the spot kick, the Argentine forward’s effort still found the net.

Osimhen was withdrawn late in the match to warm applause, having delivered a performance that went beyond his goal. His movement, hold-up play and assist for Sara’s strike reflected his growing influence within a well-balanced Galatasaray side.