Galatasaray clinches Turkish Cup

ISTANBUL

Istanbul football giant Galatasaray beat Akhisarspor 3-1 to win the Turkish Cup late on May 15, boosting hopes for a season-end double.

The Turkish Super League’s cellar-dweller Akhisar, which has already been relegated, broke the silence in the 56th minute with Elvis Manu finding the net at 4 Eylul Stadium in the Central Anatolian province of Sivas.

Galatasaray’s goals came from Sinan Gümüş in the 80th minute, Sofiane Feghouli in the 88th minute and Mbaye Diagne in the 90th minute.

Akhisar’s Miguel Lopes received a red card in the 78th minute.

Galatasaray’s Diagne also missed a penalty shot in the 65th minute.

In the semifinals, Akhisar beat Umraniyespor while Galatasaray defeated Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor to reach the finals.

Galatasaray, the Lions, are the most successful club in the Turkish Cup history having 18 titles as the winners.

Akhisar won the cup last year.

Galatasaray is now at the top of the Turkish league before the last two matches in the season and it will take on its same-point follower Başakşehir on May 19 in a decisive city derby one week before the season end.