Simon Banza continues to shine in the Turkish Süper Lig, delivering another standout performance for Trabzonspor on Sunday.
The Congolese striker found the net twice in a crucial 2-0 victory over Gaziantep, moving ahead of Youssef En-Nesyri and Victor Osimhen in the league’s top scorers’ standings.
A decisive performance
Trabzonspor’s match against Gaziantep was evenly contested for much of the first half, but Banza broke the deadlock in stoppage time (45+2), giving his side a vital lead before the break.
The 27-year-old forward struck again in the 58th minute, sealing his brace and securing three points for Trabzonspor.
His latest goals take his tally to 16 for the season, propelling him above some of Africa’s biggest names in the race for the Golden Boot.
A tight battle among Africa’s top strikers
While Polish striker Krzysztof Piątek leads the Süper Lig scoring charts with 18 goals, the contest behind him remains fierce, with Banza now emerging as the closest challenger.
With his 16th goal, Banza surpasses Youssef En-Nesyri, who has scored 15 times for Fenerbahçe, and Victor Osimhen, who has 14 goals for Galatasaray.
Coincidentally, En-Nesyri and Osimhen will go head-to-head on Monday, February 24, when Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray face off in a crucial top-of-the-table clash.
Banza’s impact at Trabzonspor
Banza, currently on loan at Trabzonspor, has been a key figure in the club’s attacking setup this season.
His clinical finishing and consistency in front of goal have made him one of the most reliable strikers in the league.
As the season progresses, the battle for the Golden Boot remains wide open, with Banza, En-Nesyri, and Osimhen all aiming to close the gap on Piątek.
With his current form, the Congolese forward is proving to be a major force in Turkish football and a player to watch in the race for the league’s top scorer award.
