In a recent match of the Trendyol Süper Lig, Trabzonspor hosted Kasımpaşa at Papara Park. The team made a single change from their previous game against Kocaelispor. Head coach Fatih Tekke replaced the suspended Mustafa Eskihellaç with new signing Mathias Lovik. Due to ongoing treatments, players Savic, Baniya, and Visca were absent from the squad.
Paul Onuachu Returns After 41 Days
Paul Onuachu, Trabzonspor’s striker, returned to the squad after a 41-day absence. He missed matches against Gençlerbirliği and Kocaelispor due to yellow card suspensions and the Africa Cup of Nations. Onuachu was initially sidelined after the game against Göztepe on December 12.
New Signing Mathias Lovik Makes Immediate Impact
Mathias Lovik, acquired from Italy’s Parma, debuted in the starting eleven. Coach Tekke utilized Lovik to fill the gap left by Eskihellaç’s suspension. Another newcomer, Chibuike Nwaiwu, also made his presence felt by playing in front of the Trabzon fans for the first time.
Trabzonspor’s All-Foreign Starting Lineup
- Onana
- Muçi
- Lovik
- Pina
- Zubkov
- Folcarelli
- Nwaiwu
- Oulai
- Batagov
- Olaigbe
- Augusto
Zubkov assumed the captaincy role due to injuries within the team. Additionally, Ernest Muçi’s goal against Göztepe in the 15th week was voted December’s goal by the Turkish Football Federation. He received his award from Trabzonspor board member Coşkun Öztürk before the match.
Kasımpaşa’s New Signings Shine
Kasımpaşa included their latest signing, Rodrigo Becao, from Fenerbahçe in the starting lineup. He played alongside teammate İrfan Can Kahveci, while Cenk Tosun remained on the bench. Additionally, Ali Yavuz Kol and Baldursson missed the match due to yellow card suspensions.
Low Attendance at the Match
Despite the excitement, Trabzonspor fans showed less interest in the matchup. Empty seats were visible in the Papara Park stands, although fans created a visual spectacle before the kickoff by waving Turkish flags.
