Turkey enjoyed a winning start to the Meridian Cup (UEFA)Turkey triumph in Aydin
Friday, 4 February 2005
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PrintTurkey came from a goal down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the first round of matches in the UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup, Volkan Zemen, Ergin Keles and Mülayim Erdem helping the hosts to victory at the Mukan Perinçek stadium in Aydin.
Quick double
Volkan cancelled out Egypt captain Sherif Ashraf Okily's opener five minutes before half-time, before Ergin and Mülayim gave the tournament hosts a two-goal cushion. Although Ahmed El-Mohamdy Essa gave the African side hope nine minutes from time, Metin Tekin's team held on to claim three points in the round-robin competition.
Attacking approach
Turkey lined up in a 3-3-3-1 formation, with Ergin in theory a lone striker who, in practice, enjoyed close support from Nuri Sahin, Mülayim and Arda Turan. However, it was a slow start to the game, the heavy pitch making it difficult for both sets of players to stay on their feet, although Mülayim's 25-metre shot forced Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Adel Ali into a save in the tenth minute.
Unexpected opener
Turkey continued to threaten, but when the breakthrough came it was surprisingly at the other end, Okily driving into the penalty area from the left, cutting inside his marker and shooting low past goalkeeper Volkan Babacan to give Egypt the lead. Stung, Turkey stepped up the pressure and Mülayim flashed a free-kick just wide before creating the equaliser six minutes before half-time, crossing from the right for Volkan to head past Ali at the far post.
Ergin enjoyment
The European side continued to look the more likely scorers in the early stages of the second half, and took the lead seven minutes after the restart. Oguz Sabankay came close to scoring but, although his shot from inside the penalty area was blocked with his feet by Ali, the ball rebounded perfectly for Ergin, who reacted quickest to slide it into the corner of the net.
Erdem on target
Mülayim and Mostafa Talaat Ahmed both had further chances for Turkey, who increased their lead two minutes past the hour. Ergin combined with Mülayim on the edge of the penalty area before crossing for the Galatasaray SK midfield player to turn the ball beyond Ali from near the penalty spot.
Unfortunate Ahmed
Despite the increased deficit, and subsequently being pressed back in their own half for a ten-minute spell, Egypt responded well and might have scored twice within a minute. Mostafa Talaat Ahmed's powerful angled drive beat Volkan Babacan but struck the post, and Mohamed Abdel-Meguid El-Basyouni quickly returned the ball to the penalty area, where Essa's header was well saved by the Turkish goalkeeper.
Essa not enough
Essa then sent a low shot skidding past the post, but did pull a goal back shortly afterwards, turning in from close range after a goalmouth scramble in which Ergin cleared off the line. Egypt were unable to find an equaliser, however, and must now look to get back on track against Portugal on Sunday, while Turkey's next opponents are Nigeria.
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