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Onana’s Debut: MOTM Performance and Costly Blunder in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 loss to Fenerbahçe

Tense moment during the match between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor

Key Takeaways:

  • Andre Onana’s debut for Trabzonspor on Sunday resulted in a defeat after his error led to the only goal against Fenerbahçe
  • The Cameroonian goalkeeper, on loan from Manchester United, recorded eight saves and prevented 1.76 expected goals (xG), earning Man of the Match honours despite the mistake
  • Trabzonspor suffered their first loss of the season and will play Gaziantep at home in the next round, marking Onana’s home debut

Debut Marred by Decisive Goalkeeping Error

Andre Onana’s much-anticipated first appearance for Trabzonspor took an unfortunate turn on Sunday, as the Cameroonian international’s lapse in concentration gifted Fenerbahçe the all-important winning goal. The former Inter and Manchester United goalkeeper, who joined the Turkish club on loan without an option for a permanent transfer, was expected to bring stability between the posts.

Despite producing a string of impressive saves throughout the contest, Onana’s momentary misjudgement ultimately overshadowed his overall display. The error enabled Youssef En-Nesyri to score, sealing Trabzonspor’s opening defeat of the campaign.

Match Analysis: Red Card and Crucial Saves

The challenge intensified for Trabzonspor after Okay Yokuşlu received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike behaviour after just 20 minutes, leaving the side with ten men for most of the encounter. Onana, however, kept his team in the match, saving every effort until the closing moments of the first half.

In the 45th minute, Onana failed to secure a routine long-range strike from Fred, allowing the ball to fall to Sebastian Szymański. Although Onana managed to parry Szymański’s shot, the rebound found its way to En-Nesyri who capitalised and calmly slotted the ball into an empty net.

PlayerSavesExpected Goals Prevented (xG)Errors Leading to GoalRed Cards (Team)
Andre Onana81.7611 (Okay Yokuşlu)

Performance Assessment and Next Fixture

Regardless of the error, Onana demonstrated the qualities that made him a standout at Inter, racking up a total of eight saves and preventing 1.76 expected goals. He was subsequently awarded Man of the Match, a testament to his influence on proceedings except for the decisive mistake that overshadowed his performance and cost Trabzonspor dearly.

The defeat marked Trabzonspor’s first of the season. Looking ahead, the club will host Gaziantep in the following round, offering Onana the opportunity to make his home debut and seek redemption in front of the Trabzon supporters.


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