Victor Osimhen’s long-awaited debut for Galatasaray finally came to fruition as he scored two goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa during a Turkish Super Lig matchday seven at RAMS Park. The recent loan acquisition from Napoli had faced a frustrating three-match goal drought after his transfer, but his performance on Saturday confirmed his status as a key player for his new club. He opened his scoring account in the 20th minute with a powerful header from Abdulkerim Bardakci’s cross, celebrating joyously in a Galatasaray shirt inscribed with “finally.” This promising start not only delighted fans but also marked the end of his goal drought.
Osimhen doubled his tally just eight minutes later, showcasing his striking prowess with a thundering volley from Gabriel Sara’s exquisite pass. This brace not only highlighted his clinical finishing ability, which has garnered him a reputation as one of Europe’s most coveted talents, but also solidified his place in Galatasaray’s annals as the first player since Bafetimbi Gomis in 2017 to achieve four or more goal contributions in his initial three Süper Lig matches. However, the excitement of the match escalated further when Mauro Icardi extended Galatasaray’s lead to 3-0 in the 34th minute, with a well-placed volley, emphasizing the rising partnership between the two strikers, as Osimhen mimicked Icardi’s celebration in camaraderie.
Despite the initial dominance shown by Galatasaray, the atmosphere twisted dramatically as Kasımpaşa mounted a comeback. Just before halftime, Mamadou Fall brought the score to 3-1, igniting a renewed sense of hope for Kasımpaşa. As the final minutes ticked away, Haris Hajradinovic narrowed the gap further to one goal in the 83rd minute, before Nuno Da Costa completed the comeback in stoppage time, stunning the home crowd. This dramatic turn of events left Galatasaray, having started the match so strongly, feeling a profound sense of disappointment at squandering a three-goal lead.
While Osimhen enjoyed a night of individual glory, it was marred by concerns over his fitness as he indicated he needed to be substituted just before halftime due to a suspected injury. The Nigerian forward was replaced by his former Napoli teammate, Dries Mertens, amidst fears about his availability for future matches. Following the game, Galatasaray’s coach, Okan Buruk, despite the mixed emotions of the draw, will take solace from Osimhen’s impressive contribution; he has tallied two goals and three assists since joining the team, validating the excitement surrounding his transfer.
Amidst discussions of potential departures, Galatasaray’s vice president, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, laid to rest any speculation regarding Osimhen’s future. He confirmed that there were no plans for the striker to leave, even suggesting that the club had hopes of retaining him for the next season. Such reassurances from the club’s hierarchy underline the significant expectations placed on the Nigerian forward, especially given that Galatasaray has maintained its position at the top of the Süper Lig table with 19 points from seven matches. However, the dramatic draw leaves a contradictory taste due to the team’s inability to hold onto a dominant lead.
For Osimhen, who had previously expressed frustration over his lack of goal contributions—having been involved in setting up three goals in earlier matches—this brace serves as a pivotal moment in his Galatasaray career. Eager to build upon his first goals for the club and aid in their domestic and European campaigns, he must now focus on his recovery from the injury concerns that emerged during the match. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian and Super Eagles veteran Kenneth Omeruo made an appearance as a substitute for Kasımpaşa, marking his fifth appearance for the season. With eyes now firmly fixed on Osimhen’s fitness and form, Galatasaray stands poised for a potential surge in the league and upcoming matches, hoping they have secured the prolific striker needed to sustain their challenge for titles.
