Fenerbahce emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Adana Demirspor, securing a 4-2 win in the Super Lig clash on Wednesday evening, with Black Stars centre-back Alexander Djiku playing a pivotal role in the triumph.
The match, hosted at the Ülker Stadyumu Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Spor Kompleksi, witnessed a riveting display of football as Fenerbahce showcased their dominance over their opponents.
Djiku, 29, ignited Fenerbahce’s momentum by opening the scoring in the 17th minute with a formidable right-footed strike from close range, capitalising on a corner opportunity to give his team the early advantage.
GOL | Fenerbahçe 1-0 Adana Demirspor
⚽️ 17' Djiku pic.twitter.com/jsq98kQEZF
— Anlık Goller (@goalsuperlig1) April 3, 2024
However, Adana Demirspor responded swiftly in the 25th minute, as Mario Balotelli levelled the score with a precise right-footed shot from the left side of the box.
The second half saw Fenerbahce regain control, with Edin Dzeko finding the back of the net in the 51st minute, followed by a spectacular long-range effort from Dusan Tadic in the 70th minute.
Although Adana Demirspor’s Yusuf Barasi managed to reduce the deficit in the 80th minute, Fenerbahce secured the victory in the 85th minute when Serdar Dursun headed home from a well-delivered Sebastian Szymanski cross.
Djiku, who has played 20 games, scored two goals, and provided one assist in the Turkish Super Lig this season, has been grappling with injuries amidst his stellar performances, leading to his absence in some crucial matches.
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Despite emerging as one of Ghana’s key players during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast, the former Strasbourg defender misses recent games for the Black Stars due to fitness concerns.
He however remains a vital player for both club and country, with hopes of contributing to Fenerbahce’s upcoming fixtures and earning a spot in the national team’s lineup for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.