Man of the Match Olawoyin shines in Rizespor draw

In-form Nigerian midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin posted a man-of-the-match display as his Turkish side Çaykur Rizespor played out a 2-2 draw with Ankaragücü in a Turkish Super Lig game on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.

Playing in his new central midfield role, Olawoyin recorded a goal and an assist in direct contributions to his side’s two goals in the four goals thriller which ended in a draw following a last gasp equaliser by Ankaragücü.

Olawoyin provided the first act of the game when his left footed cross from the right was glanced home by Argentina striker Adolfo Gaich to give Rizespor a 25th minute lead.

The former Rangers International star then doubled his team’s lead seven minutes later when he slid home Jonjo Shelvey’s free kick to record his seventh league goal in his first Super Lig campaign.

Aside his goal and assist, Olawoyin had his usual all round excellence as he won three tackles, made two interceptions and gave two key passes during the course of the game.

In spite of the virtuoso display from Olawoyin, Ankaragücü made a return into the game in the second half and scored twice through Riad Bajić (58’) and a stoppage time effort by Gary Rodrigues (99’) to slow down Rizespor’s continental aspirations.

The draw means that Olawoyin and his teammates are now seventh on the league log although they are just three points behind fifth place Istanbul Basaksehir with just four matches to the end of the season.

Sunday’s point however disappointing also means that Rizespor with their 49 points total have now accumulated their highest number of points ever in a Turkish Super Lig season, this coming under head coach Ilhan Palüt.

Rizespor will next face Besiktas in Istanbul on Friday as they continue their fight for a possible European spot next term.