Streli Mamba’s fourth goal of the season was not enough to secure a result as Erzurumspor suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against Istanbulspor in their Turkish second-division clash on Saturday.
The Congolese forward gave Erzurumspor an early advantage when he found the net in the 23rd minute, showcasing his precision and form since joining the club after the season’s start.
Mamba has now scored four goals in just eight appearances, strengthening his value within the team.
However, despite Mamba’s opener, Erzurumspor were unable to maintain their lead. Istanbulspor quickly regrouped, equalising before taking control of the match.
Although Erzurumspor fought to stay level in the closing stages, they ultimately conceded a late goal that denied them a crucial point.
The defeat is a significant setback for Erzurumspor, as they were competing against a direct rival in the race for promotion play-off positions.
Head coach and players alike will feel a sense of frustration at allowing the match to slip away, particularly given the competitive nature of the league this season.
With 28 points, Erzurumspor remain in fourth place in the standings, but the gap to their promotion rivals could widen if they fail to recover quickly.
Their next opportunity to bounce back comes on Saturday, December 21, when they face Sakaryaspor in another pivotal league fixture.
Before that, Erzurumspor and Istanbulspor will meet again on Wednesday, December 18, in the fifth round of the Turkish National Cup, adding an extra layer of urgency and tension to their preparations.
On a personal note, Mamba’s consistent performances have been a bright spot for Erzurumspor. Since his arrival, he has delivered important goals and is emerging as a key figure in the team’s attacking setup.
His ability to perform under pressure has not gone unnoticed and continues to earn him praise from the technical staff.
The club’s ambitions for promotion remain intact, but they will need to sharpen their focus to avoid further setbacks in what is proving to be a highly competitive season.
