Mame Baba Thiam opened his scoring account for the season on Sunday, but Eyüpspor were left frustrated after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 2-1 defeat against Beşiktaş on the second matchday of the Turkish Süper Lig.
The Senegalese forward, 33, equalised from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after Tammy Bakumo-Abraham had given Beşiktaş the lead with a penalty of his own ten minutes earlier.
Thiam’s clinical finish not only restored parity but also carried personal significance, taking his tally to 69 career goals in the Süper Lig since arriving in Turkey in the 2019/20 campaign.
Despite his contribution, Eyüpspor could not hold on for a point. With the match heading towards a draw, Rafa Silva struck deep into added time in the 96th minute, handing Beşiktaş a dramatic victory and leaving Eyüpspor still searching for their first win of the season.
The result was another setback for Eyüpspor, who had endured a heavy 4-1 defeat to Konyaspor on the opening weekend. While Thiam’s goal provided encouragement, the late collapse highlighted the defensive frailties that have now cost them five goals in their first two outings.
For Thiam, however, the evening was another reminder of his enduring presence in Turkish football. Since his arrival in the Süper Lig five years ago, he has developed a reputation for consistency and reliability in front of goal. His record now stands at 69 goals and 25 assists across 175 league appearances—a return that underscores his value to every club he has represented.
The Senegalese striker joined Eyüpspor last season and quickly made an impact, scoring 16 goals in 33 appearances. His influence was immediate, and he continues to be the focal point of their attack.
Though Eyüpspor’s start to the campaign has been difficult, Thiam’s ability to deliver goals will remain central to their ambitions of establishing themselves in the top flight.
Thiam’s journey through football has been marked by adaptability and persistence. Before settling in Turkey, he experienced a varied career across several countries.
His early years took him from Italy’s youth football system into Serie A, before stints in Belgium, Greece, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Each stop added to his experience, but it was in Turkey where he truly found stability and success.
His spells at Kasimpasa, Fenerbahçe, Kayserispor, and Pendikspor all highlighted his qualities as a reliable forward capable of performing in different systems.
Now at Eyüpspor, he continues to carry that reputation, showing no signs of slowing down even as he enters the later stages of his career.
Eyüpspor, meanwhile, face the task of quickly regrouping after back-to-back defeats. While Thiam’s milestone goal offered a bright spot, the team will need to tighten defensively if they are to avoid being drawn into early struggles this season.
For Beşiktaş, Silva’s late winner delivered a boost in their pursuit of a strong start to the campaign, while for Thiam, it was another night that confirmed his enduring role as one of the Süper Lig’s most consistent goal-scorers.
