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Driven by Chadian striker Marius Mouandilmadji, Samsunspor’s historic first-ever European campaign continues as the Turkish side draws Spain’s Rayo Vallecano in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16.
The red-and-white club has written a new chapter in its history by making it through to the knockout stage, with Mouandilmadji leading the line and Danish midfielder Carlo Holse standing out as the main provider as the team pushed on from round to round.
Samsunspor began their season in the UEFA Europa League play-offs, but after a narrow elimination by Panathinaikos, they transitioned into the UEFA Conference League league phase.
They finished that phase in 12th place and then faced North Macedonian side Shkendija in a two-leg play-off, which they came through with a strong overall performance to secure their place in the last 16.
In 10 European matches this season, Samsunspor scored 15 goals, and Mouandilmadji struck seven times to sit top of the Conference League scoring race in the figures cited ahead of the last-16 round.
His goals included strikes against Dinamo Kiev and Hamrun Spartans, a two-goal return against Breidablik, and three goals across the two matches against Shkendija.
Alongside Mouandilmadji’s finishing, Holse’s four assists put him at the top of the Conference League assist standings referenced in the text, underlining how Samsunspor’s attacking output has been built on both scoring and service.
Other goals for the Turkish side in Europe were credited to Musaba, who later moved to Fenerbahce during the mid-season window, plus Holse, Tomasson, Emre Kilinc, Ntcham and Ndiaye. Another goal came through an own goal credited to AEK’s Harold Moukoudi.
The UEFA Conference League is UEFA’s third-tier club tournament, positioned below the Champions League and Europa League. Samsunspor will now face Rayo Vallecano over two legs in the last 16, with the first match set for March 12 and the return leg scheduled for March 19.
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