Manchester United loanee Andre Onana emerged as Trabzonspor's saviour after pulling off three penalty saves in a gripping shootout. The goalkeeper's heroics on Thursday night proved decisive in his side's progression to the Turkish Cup semi-finals.
Match Overview
Onana took centre stage as his side played out a goalless quarter-final clash at Samsunspor. The 30-year-old remarkably conceded just one of the home side's four spot-kicks, producing three consecutive saves from the penalty spot. The Cameroon international denied Lubomir Satka, Marius Mouandilmadji, and Yunus Emre Cift as Samsunspor failed to find the net until their fourth attempt. Despite the best efforts of Onana's opposite number, who saved two Trabzonspor penalties, the United loanee steered his team through to the next round.
The former Inter Milan and Ajax star joined the Turkish outfit in September after falling out of favour at United. He has since made 28 appearances for Trabzonspor, who currently sit third in the Super Lig. The club will now take on Genclerbirligi in the semi-finals.
Turkish Media Reaction
Sabah
Turkish publication Sabah opened its match report by branding Onana a "penalty specialist". The shot-stopper was described as having "carried Trabzonspor on his shoulders". The fixture ended 0-0 after extra time, with the goalkeeper praised for denying Samsunspor from converting one of their "numerous chances". In a contest settled by the narrowest of margins, Onana was "the star of the match". His significance was shown by team-mates rushing to Onana after Ernest Muci netted the decisive penalty. Sabah proclaimed the goalkeeper's performance to be "the highlight of the night".
Hurriyet
Onana "made his mark" on the cup clash with his three penalty saves, according to Hurriyet. The goalkeeper was called into action early in the fixture as Samsunspor "dominated" the opening half, prompting the shot-stopper to produce a "fantastic" save from Logi Tomasson. The Turkish outlet lamented the "boring" encounter and Trabzonspor's absence of attacking threat, even after their rivals were reduced to 10 men with 20 minutes of regulation time left. The match report stated: "120 minutes and penalties made me think of something... You know how those of us around 50 years old will remember? When we played football in the streets, no matter what the score was, when it was time to call our mothers, we'd say, 'Next goal wins!' That's exactly what this match was like. For 120 minutes, the match only evoked this nostalgic feeling in me... THE WINNER IS THE ONE WHO SCORES... Trabzonspor won on penalties. Of course, thanks to the goalkeeper's contribution..."
Miliyet
Turkish publication Miliyet heaped praise on Onana for his heroics. Under the headline: "ANDRE ONANA HAS BECOME A STAR," the outlet declared: "Trabzonspor's goalkeeper Andre Onana played a major role in the victory. The 30-year-old star goalkeeper prevented Samsunspor from scoring with his saves on their first three penalty attempts. Onana kept a clean sheet against Lubomir Satka, Marius, and Yunus Emre Cift. Onana only failed to save Tomasson's penalty."
Taka 61
Local news outlet Taka 61 wrote: "Andre Onana built a wall! Trabzonspor reached the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup. Trabzonspor, visiting Samsunspor in the Ziraat Turkey Cup quarter-finals, defeated their opponent 3-1 on penalties after the match ended 0-0 in normal time and extra time. Andre Onana, who saved 3 penalties, was the hero of the night, and Trabzonspor will face Genclerbirligi in the semi-finals."
Fotomac
A match report from Fotomac noted: "When Samsunspor were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute, the burgundy-blue team completely dominated the match. Indeed, they failed to capitalise on several clear opportunities, both in normal time and extra time. Otherwise, it wouldn't have gone to penalties. But it did, and from that moment on, Andre Onana's show began. Andre Onana demonstrated to everyone with an unforgettable and successful performance that 'quality is never a coincidence.'" The report continued: "Onana performed a miracle in the penalty shootout. Like a flying panther, Onana saved the first three penalties (Satka, Mouandilmadji, Yunus Emre). With Onuachu, Nwakaeme, and Muci scoring for Trabzonspor, the team that secured their place in the semi-finals was Trabzonspor. Samsunspor also deserves congratulations. They fought like lions."
