Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu had a mixed evening as he found the net for the second game in a row but missed a crucial penalty as Trabzonspor were held to a 1-1 draw by Antalyaspor in their Super Lig clash on Friday, Bold Sports reports.
The Nigerian International, who came off the bench to score in Trabzonspor’s previous league match against Kasimpaşa, was handed a starting role this time and proved decisive again in a tightly contested encounter, but his day ended in disappointment.
Antalyaspor had struck first and carried their advantage into the break after Sander Van de Streek fired the hosts in front in the 43rd minute, leaving Trabzonspor chasing the game at half-time.
The visitors responded with renewed intensity after the restart and were rewarded eight minutes into the second half when Onuachu won a penalty, going down after being fouled while challenging for a header inside the box.
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The Nigerian striker stepped up and calmly sent his spot kick straight down the middle, beating goalkeeper Julian, who almost kept it out with his legs, as Trabzonspor pulled level.
The visitors then had a golden opportunity to complete the turnaround in the 79th minute when they were awarded a second penalty following a handball in the box. Onuachu took responsibility again and attempted the same approach, aiming down the middle, but this time Julian saved with his legs to keep the scores level.
Despite the missed chance, Trabzonspor continued to press for a late winner, but Antalyaspor remained disciplined at the back and held firm to secure a valuable point at home.
The draw proved a missed opportunity for Trabzonspor in the title race, as the result denied them the chance to climb to second place and close the gap on league leaders Galatasaray. They remain third on 42 points, four behind Galatasaray, while Antalyaspor sit 11th with 20 points.
Trabzonspor return to action on Tuesday in the Turkish Cup against Fethiyespor, while Antalyaspor will also feature in the competition with an away trip to Igdir FK.
Even with the disappointment of a missed penalty, Onuachu’s goal ensured another major milestone in his season, taking his Super Lig tally to 13 and leaving him joint-top of the scoring charts alongside Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.
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