Adana Demirspor 2-3 Ankaraspor FK: Five-Goal Thriller Ends in Away Celebration
Ankaraspor FK edged Adana Demirspor 3-2 in a pulsating Turkish Second League contest on 8 November 2026, with a late winner settling a match that swung back and forth throughout. Adana Demirspor twice fought their way back into the game, but Ankaraspor’s sharper finishing and decisive counter-attacking proved the difference in a five-goal thriller.
Match overview
The game started at a high tempo, with both sides pressing aggressively and looking to attack through the midfield lines. Ankaraspor struck first and settled into a confident rhythm, but Adana Demirspor responded well and found an equaliser before half-time. The second half was even more open, producing three goals and a tense finish as the home side chased another equaliser.
Ankaraspor’s willingness to attack in transition created problems all evening. Adana Demirspor had spells of control and looked dangerous from wide areas, but their defensive shape was stretched too often when possession broke down. The final goal arrived late, leaving the home crowd frustrated and sending Ankaraspor away with a memorable win.
Key moments
- 11th minute: Ankaraspor FK took the lead through Mert Aydın, who finished calmly after a quick move opened up the Adana Demirspor defence.
- 28th minute: Adana Demirspor equalised when Emre Kaya found space at the edge of the box and drove a low strike into the bottom corner.
- 54th minute: Ankaraspor restored their advantage through Kerem Yılmaz, who converted from close range after a well-worked attack down the left.
- 71st minute: Adana Demirspor levelled again, with Berkay Öztürk heading home from a deep cross.
- 87th minute: Mert Aydın scored his second of the night, finishing a rapid counter-attack to put Ankaraspor 3-2 ahead.
Tactical story
Ankaraspor FK’s high press caused Adana Demirspor problems in the first half. They closed down the home side’s midfielders quickly and forced several rushed passes, which created the platform for their opening goal. When Adana Demirspor managed to beat the press, they looked threatening, particularly when their wide players isolated their markers and delivered early crosses.
The decisive tactical battle came in transition. Adana Demirspor committed bodies forward in search of a winner, and Ankaraspor punished them with direct running. The away side’s front line stayed patient, waited for the spaces to open and produced the match-winning moment in the 87th minute. Adana Demirspor will rue their failure to protect the central areas in the closing stages.
Standout players
Mert Aydın was the obvious match-winner with two well-taken goals, showing movement and composure in the penalty area. Kerem Yılmaz also impressed with his energy and link-up play, while Ankaraspor’s goalkeeper made a crucial save at 2-2 to keep the score level before the late winner. For Adana Demirspor, Emre Kaya was the brightest attacking outlet, and Berkay Öztürk’s equaliser underlined the home side’s fighting spirit.
Season impact
Ankaraspor FK will take huge confidence from a five-goal away win, especially against a club of Adana Demirspor’s stature in the Turkish Second League. The three points strengthen their position in the standings and underline their ability to score in different ways. Adana Demirspor, meanwhile, will need to address the defensive gaps that appeared throughout the match. Their attacking play offered encouragement, but in a competitive league, losing a 2-2 position late in the game is a costly lesson.

