Ali Sowe delivered a clinical performance on Friday night, scoring twice as Çaykur Rizespor battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw against Beşiktaş J.K. in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Gambian forward needed just 31 minutes to put Rizespor in control with a superb first-half brace. Sowe opened the scoring in the 18th minute after being set up by M. Sagnan before doubling the advantage in the 31st minute through another well-taken finish, this time assisted by A. Mebude.
Rizespor looked on course for a famous victory after dominating large spells of the opening half, but Beşiktaş responded strongly after the break. Portuguese winger Jota Silva pulled one back in the 55th minute following an assist from Orkun Kökçü to swing momentum in the visitors’ favour.
The pressure continued and Beşiktaş eventually found the equaliser seven minutes later when Czech international Václav Černý struck in the 62nd minute after being teed up by Junior Olaitan.
Despite surrendering their two-goal advantage, Rizespor could still take positives from the contest, largely thanks to Sowe’s sharp finishing and attacking presence. The striker once again underlined his importance to the club with a decisive contribution against one of Turkey’s traditional giants.
The result leaves both sides sharing the points after an intense and competitive encounter matchday 34 of the Super Lig.
