Ankaragücü avoided a major TUR Kupası upset on Tuesday night, coming from behind to beat lower-league Adana Adaletgucu 2-1 in a tense cup tie. Second-half goals from Okan Erdoğan and Berat Aydın turned the match around after Yusuf Demir had given the home side a shock first-half lead.

Match overview

Adana Adaletgucu, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, started with energy and discipline. They sat compact, conceded possession without panic and looked to hurt Ankaragücü on the break. That approach paid off in the 18th minute when Yusuf Demir latched onto a loose ball just outside the box and curled a fine effort beyond the goalkeeper.

Ankaragücü dominated the ball but struggled to find rhythm in the final third during the first half. The second period was different. The visitors increased the tempo, pushed their full-backs higher and began to create clear chances. Okan Erdoğan equalised in the 52nd minute, and Berat Aydın won it late with a close-range finish that finally broke Adana’s resistance.

Key moments

• 18th minute: Yusuf Demir gave Adana Adaletgucu a surprise 1-0 lead with a well-placed shot from distance.
• 34th minute: Adana goalkeeper Mert Kaya made a strong save to deny Ankaragücü an equaliser before half-time.
• 52nd minute: Okan Erdoğan levelled the score with a composed finish after a quick move down the right.
• 71st minute: Ankaragücü had a goal ruled out for offside as the pressure mounted.
• 87th minute: Berat Aydın scored the winner, turning in a low cross from close range.
• 90+4: Adana pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Ankaragücü defended the final set-piece calmly.

Tactical story

Adana Adaletgucu’s game plan was built on defensive discipline and quick counters. They defended in a narrow 4-4-2 block, forcing Ankaragücü wide and asking their centre-backs to deal with crosses. For 45 minutes, it worked well. The home side limited central access and took their one clear chance with real quality.

Ankaragücü responded by stretching the pitch in the second half. Their wingers stayed wider, the midfield pushed closer to the strikers and the full-backs overlapped more aggressively. That change created repeated crossing opportunities, and the equaliser came from exactly that pattern. The winner arrived when Adana’s deep block finally lost its shape in the closing minutes.

Standout players

Okan Erdoğan was central to Ankaragücü’s comeback, combining energy with intelligent movement in the box. Berat Aydın showed poise for the winning goal and worked tirelessly off the ball. For Adana, Yusuf Demir was the obvious threat and took his goal beautifully, while goalkeeper Mert Kaya produced several saves that kept the underdogs in the tie until the final minutes.

What it means

The win sends Ankaragücü into the next round of the TUR Kupası, but the performance will give the coaching staff plenty to review. Their first-half struggles against a lower-league side highlighted the need for sharper movement and quicker ball circulation. Adana Adaletgucu exit with credit, having pushed a professional opponent all the way and produced a cup night their supporters will remember.