Ali Sowe leads Rizespor's resurgence.. A Gambian brace ends the home matches jinx

08.11.26 FT Super Lig Turkey

Rizespor

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Erzurumspor FK

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Gambia international Ali Sowe inspired Caykur Rizespor to their first home victory of the 2026 /27 Turkish Süper Lig season on Sunday 8 November scoring both goals in a crucial 2-1 win over Erzurumspor FK.

The 31 year old striker opened the scoring in the 31st minute before netting the winner in the 66th ending Rizespor's run of four consecutive home defeats at Caykur Didi Stadium.

Ivorian forward Ibrahim Diabate had briefly equalised for the visitors but Sowe's second half strike secured three valuable points for Recep Ucar's side.

The result also ended a five match winless streak lifting Rizespor to 14 points after 11 rounds.

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Ali Sowe's brace ends Rizespor's home struggles

Sowe broke the deadlock after receiving a pass from Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin in the 31st minute.

The Gambian controlled the ball inside the penalty area before producing a delicate chipped finish over goalkeeper Ertugrul Taskıran.

However, Erzurumspor responded just six minutes later.

Diabate collected a pass from Gyrano Kerk, rounded the goalkeeper and finished to restore parity in the 37th minute.

With the match finely balanced, Sowe stepped up again in the second half.

In the 66th minute, Adedire Mebude found the striker near the edge of the penalty area. Sowe beat his marker before firing a left footed shot into the net, completing his brace and restoring Rizespor's lead.

The hosts protected their advantage until the final whistle securing their first home league win of the campaign.

Three African goals decide the Turkish encounter

The match also highlighted the influence of African players in the Turkish championship.

All three goals were scored by African forwards while Nigeria's Olawoyin supplied the assist for Sowe's opener.

For Diabate, the goal was another important contribution during his loan spell at Erzurumspor.

As Foot Africa previously reported, the Ivorian joined the Turkish club from Swedish side GAIS in August on a loan agreement containing an option to buy.

The Gambian had already scored against Gaziantep and Eyupspor earlier this season, with Foot Africa highlighting his second league goal in September.

He previously registered 19 league goals in 2024 /25 and eight in 2025 /26, establishing himself as one of Rizespor's most reliable attacking options.

Rizespor had repeatedly struggled in front of their supporters and Sunday's victory finally ended that damaging sequence.

Both Rizespor and Erzurumspor now have 14 points, with the Black Sea club moving ahead of their opponents in the standings.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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