In a thrilling Super Lig encounter on Friday, Victor Osimhen’s crucial penalty in the second half salvaged a point for Galatasaray in a 1-1 draw against struggling Hatayspor at Mersin Stadyumu. The Nigerian striker’s goal came after a challenging first half where the Turkish giants found themselves trailing.

Galatasaray, coming off a 2-1 win over Istanbul Basaksehir, were expected to breeze past Hatayspor, who were fighting relegation and had conceded 31 goals in 18 league matches. However, it was Hatayspor who shocked the visitors by taking the lead in the 28th minute, thanks to Cemail Sertel’s strike. Despite dominating possession, Galatasaray failed to convert their chances, with Osimhen’s effort in the 26th minute ruled out for offside.

In the second half, Galatasaray came out with renewed determination. Their pressure paid off in the 56th minute when Dries Mertens won a penalty, which Osimhen confidently slotted home to bring the score level at 1-1. The Super Eagles forward had another opportunity just minutes later, but he missed the chance to give his side the lead.

As the match wore on, Osimhen thought he had scored again in the 68th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Despite multiple close calls, neither side could break the deadlock, and the match ended in a hard-fought draw.