Konyaspor winger Alassane Ndao has declared his side’s determination to reach the Turkish Cup final ahead of their high-stakes semi-final clash against Galatasaray at the Konya Büyükşehir Stadium.
Speaking with conviction on the eve of the match, the Senegalese forward made clear his desire to help Konyaspor return to the final of a competition they previously won. “It’s a very important match for us.
We really want to play in the final. I hope we win. We will do everything to get there,” Ndao stated. “It’s a cup we have already won. We are aware of its importance for Konyaspor. We have prepared well and want to bring it back here.”
Despite enduring an inconsistent league campaign that currently sees them sitting in 11th place in the Süper Lig, Konyaspor have displayed resilience in the Cup.
Under head coach Fahrudin Omerović, the team has enjoyed a strong run in the tournament, eliminating 23Elazığ, Kepezspor, Karacabey Belediyesi, and İskenderunspor.
Earlier in the season, they also held Galatasaray to a draw during the group phase, suggesting that the upcoming fixture could be far from a formality for the Istanbul giants.
Ndao has been a key figure for Konyaspor this season, contributing five goals and two assists. The 27-year-old’s experience and attacking flair will be crucial as the team looks to overcome a Galatasaray side that is not only chasing domestic silverware but also in pursuit of a domestic double.
Galatasaray, the reigning powerhouse of Turkish football, have their sights firmly set on adding the Cup to what is already shaping up to be a successful Süper Lig campaign.
With stars such as Argentine striker Mauro Icardi and Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, the Istanbul side will arrive in Konya with a strong lineup. Also expected to feature is Ismail Jakobs, who has recovered from injury and may make his return in this crucial encounter.
Jakobs, a key player for both Galatasaray and the Senegal national team, could face off directly against his compatriot Ndao in what promises to be an intriguing subplot to the broader narrative.
The presence of two Senegalese internationals on opposing sides adds a layer of intrigue, with both players eager to lead their teams to the final.
Konyaspor’s ambitions, however, remain undeterred by the opposition’s pedigree. Ndao’s words ahead of the game reflect a focused and motivated squad.
“We have prepared accordingly. We want to bring the cup back here and we will do everything we can to win it,” he affirmed.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. local time, with the stakes high and a place in the final just 90 minutes away. For Konyaspor, the match represents more than just a shot at silverware it is a chance to reignite belief in a season that has otherwise lacked consistency.
For Galatasaray, it’s an opportunity to maintain their dominance in Turkish football.
With everything to play for, this semi-final promises to deliver the drama and intensity that defines knockout football.
