Paul Onuachu's goal helped Tranzbor to put pressure on Osimhen's Galatasaray

Paul Onuachu scored a late penalty as Trabzonspor were held to a 1-1 draw by Antalyaspor, keeping pressure on Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig title race.

Nigerian international Paul Onuachu endured a night of mixed emotions on Friday as his goal helped Trabzonspor maintain pressure on Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray, in a crucial victory in a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig.

Fresh from scoring as a substitute in Trabzonspor’s previous win over Kasimpasa, Onuachu was handed a starting role and once again proved decisive.

Antalyaspor took the lead shortly before halftime when Sander van de Streek struck in the 43rd minute, giving the hosts a deserved advantage heading into the break.

Trabzonspor responded strongly after the restart, showing greater urgency and attacking intent. Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Onuachu was fouled while contesting a header inside the penalty area. The 6ft 7in striker confidently stepped up and converted the spot-kick, sending the ball down the middle to equalise despite the goalkeeper getting a touch.

The result represents a missed opportunity for Trabzonspor, who could have moved into second place and further closed the gap on league leaders Galatasaray, led by fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.

Trabzonspor remain third on 42 points, four behind the leaders, while Antalyaspor sit 11th with 20 points.

Despite the disappointment, Onuachu reached an important personal milestone. His equaliser was his 13th goal of the Super Lig season, drawing him level at the top of the scoring charts with Başakşehir striker Eldor Shomurodov.

Trabzonspor will now turn their attention to the Turkish Cup, where they face Fethiyespor on Tuesday, while Antalyaspor travel to Igdir FK for their own cup fixture.