Ghanaian forward Owusu Kwabena was on target for Ankaragücü on Friday evening, but his goal proved insufficient as they fell 2-1 to Manisa Futbol Kulübü in a Turkish 1. Lig encounter.
Manisa took early control of the match with two well-taken goals in the first half. Georgi Minchev opened the scoring in the 29th minute, heading home a precise cross from Oguz Gürbulak. The provider was at it again just before halftime, delivering a corner that Bartu Göçmen converted with another clinical header to double Manisa’s lead.
Kwabena, a standout performer for Ankaragücü this season, reduced the deficit in the 55th minute. He reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner and calmly slotted it in from close range to register his sixth goal of the campaign.
Despite a late push for an equalizer, Ankaragücü were unable to find a way past the resolute Manisa defense. Kwabena completed the full 90 minutes, taking his season tally to six goals and one assist in 12 appearances.
The result shifts the head-to-head balance slightly in Manisa’s favor, who now lead with two wins to Ankaragücü’s one, with one draw between the sides.
Ankaragücü will now turn their attention to their next league fixture against Çorum FK on April 27.
