Mohamed Bayo delivered another decisive moment in the Turkish Süper Lig as Gaziantep FK held leaders Galatasaray to a 1–1 draw in Istanbul on Matchday 18, leaving the title contenders frustrated and underlining the striker’s growing influence this season.
Gaziantep arrived at Rams Park facing one of the league’s most formidable sides and adopted a disciplined, compact approach from the opening whistle.
Galatasaray controlled possession and applied sustained pressure, but the visitors defended with organisation and clarity, limiting clear chances during a tense first half marked by tactical caution rather than spectacle.
After the break, Gaziantep began to show greater ambition on the counter-attack, testing Galatasaray’s defensive structure with quick transitions and physical presence up front.
That intent paid off in the 73rd minute. A long-range effort from Yusuf Kanadayin forced an awkward defensive intervention, and the loose ball fell invitingly inside the penalty area.
Bayo reacted first, showing sharp awareness and composure to guide a precise finish beyond the goalkeeper and silence the home crowd.
The goal marked Bayo’s seventh of the league campaign and reinforced his status as Gaziantep’s attacking reference point.
His movement, strength and instinct once again caused problems for a defence that rarely allows such opportunities. Gaziantep celebrated briefly, aware that a precious result stood within reach.
Galatasaray, however, responded with urgency. Pushing numbers forward, the hosts increased the tempo and finally broke through in the 84th minute when Yilmaz found space inside the box and struck decisively to restore parity.
The equaliser preserved Galatasaray’s unbeaten momentum and ensured they remained top of the table, though the performance exposed moments of vulnerability at the back.
For Gaziantep, the final whistle brought mixed emotions. The point represented a valuable outcome against elite opposition, yet the visitors sensed they had come close to a statement victory.
Their defensive discipline and attacking efficiency offered encouragement for the remainder of the season.
Bayo’s individual numbers continue to impress. With seven goals from 13 league appearances, the Guinean international has become one of the most reliable forwards outside the traditional title contenders.
His consistency provides Gaziantep with belief and a clear attacking identity.
As the Süper Lig campaign intensifies, Gaziantep leave Istanbul with confidence, while Galatasaray move on knowing sharper defensive focus will prove essential in the race for the title.
