Senegalese defender Papy Djilobodji helps Karagümrük to secure promotion to Turkish Super Lig

Experienced Senegal defender Papy Djilobodji has helped Karagümrük to secure promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.

The former Chelsea centre-back signed for the club in the summer of 2024, alongside Ivorian midfielder Marius Doh.

The two have played a key role for Karagümrük in ensuring that the team is promoted to the top-flight league.

The duo’s impact was evident as Karagümrük triumphed 3-1 over Bandırmaspor after extra time in the TFF 1. Lig promotion playoff final.

Djilobodji and Doh featured for the full 120 minutes, anchoring the team in a hard-fought contest.

Bandırmaspor opened the scoring in the game before former Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes pulled Karagümrük level shortly after halftime.

In extra time, Karagümrük wasted no time after the restart, as Atakan Ridvan Cankaya found the net in the 91st minute to give them the edge.

Ahmet Sivri added another in the 105th minute to seal the win and confirm their return to the top flight.

Karagümrük had finished the regular season in third place, earning a bye into the playoff final. Bandırmaspor, who placed fifth, had to navigate through tough matches against Erzurumspor and Boluspor to reach the decisive clash.

As team captain and one of the league’s standout defenders, Djilobodji brought stability and leadership to Karagümrük throughout the campaign. In total, he made 36 league appearances for the team en route to securing promotion.

The experienced defender will have a key role to play for Karagümrük in the 2025/26 football season when the team competes in the Super Lig.