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Türkiye's Samsunspor was defeated 2-1 by Greek side AEK Athens in a UEFA Europa Conference League fixture on Thursday, dealing a setback to the Black Sea club’s campaign and costing them the top spot in the group.
The match took place at Samsun’s 19 Mayis Stadium, where the home team initially took control but failed to hold their advantage, missing key scoring opportunities.
Samsunspor opened the scoring in the 4th minute after AEK defender Harold Moukoudi deflected the ball into his own net. The early lead gave momentum to the hosts, who looked to extend their advantage but lacked precision in finishing key chances.
AEK equalized just two minutes later through Romanian midfielder Florentin Marin, who curled in a precise free-kick from outside the box past goalkeeper Okan Kocuk to level the score at 1-1.
In the 63rd minute, AEK completed the comeback. After receiving the ball outside the penalty area, forward Koita evaded defender Rick van Drongelen and sent a low shot into the net, putting the visitors ahead 2-1.
Samsunspor pushed for an equalizer deep into stoppage time. In the 90+5th minute, a right-sided cross from Mendes found Aliou Ceesay at the far post, but the forward’s header was cleared off the line by an AEK defender, denying the hosts a last-minute goal.
The loss marks Samsunspor’s first defeat in the tournament after previously securing three wins and one draw in their opening four matches. The result left the Turkish side with 10 points, surrendering the group lead due to goal differential.
AEK Athens, also on 10 points, moved into second place based on tie-breaker rules, tightening the race for the top two spots in the final matchweek of the group phase.
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