Iheanacho scores 17th league goal as Bursaspor share points with Antalyaspor

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho was back among the goalscorers as Bursaspor settled for a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor at the Antalya Stadium on Friday evening in the TFF 1. Lig.

The Nigerian international opened the scoring in the 26th minute, putting the Green-and-Whites ahead with a well-taken finish after being picked out by Amine Boutrah’s delivery.

Iheanacho had threatened to find the breakthrough earlier in the encounter, but his initial attempt came back off the side post as Bursaspor looked to take control of proceedings.

The former Leicester City striker continued to trouble the Antalyaspor defence and came close to doubling his team’s advantage just six minutes after scoring. Once again, Boutrah delivered, but Iheanacho couldn’t direct his effort on target.

However, Bursaspor’s advantage did not last until the interval, as Antalyaspor restored parity on the stroke of halftime through Toral Bayramov, whose own goal beat goalkeeper Kerem Matışlı to bring the hosts back into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had restored Bursaspor’s lead in the second half after producing another fine finish. Still, his effort was ruled out for offside following an infringement in the build-up.

The former Manchester City and Sevilla forward couldn’t find another breakthrough as both teams eventually settled for a draw.

Despite missing out on all three points, the goal will come as a welcome boost for Iheanacho, who returned to the scoresheet after his remarkable goalscoring sequence came to an end in Bursaspor’s 3-0 victory over Bandırmaspor last weekend.

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Before that fixture, the 30-year-old had found the net 16 times in 12 consecutive league matches, establishing a new record in Turkish football with his remarkable consistency in front of goal.

His 17th strike further underlines the impressive form he has carried since arriving in Turkey, with the Super Eagles forward quickly establishing himself as one of Bursaspor’s most influential attacking players.

Having ended his historic scoring run last weekend, Iheanacho will be encouraged by his return to the scoresheet and will now look to build another productive spell as Bursaspor continues its campaign.