Conference League: Aboubakary Koita lifts AEK to victory

Aboubakary Koita produced a moment of magic on Thursday with a stellar match-winning goal as AEK Athens toppled UEFA Conference League leaders Samsunspor by a 2-1 score in Türkiye.

The Mauritania national team forward left his defender on a swivel in the 64th minute with a powerful run to cut inside from the right wing before finishing with his left foot. The club from the Greek capital replaced Thursday’s opponents at the top of the league phase table for the time being until later matches are played this evening.

Samsunspor took a quick lead inside five minutes through an own goal from former Cameroon defender Harold Moukoudi and it looked like the Turkish Super Lig side would consolidate their position as surprise leaders.

However, the visitors from Greece came out inspired after halftime and Romanian international Razvan Marin leveled the match in the 52nd minute. A little over ten minutes later, the Mauritania star provided the match winner to make it seven consecutive victories in all competitions for the club.

The winning streak has left them in strong positions in both domestic and continental competition. They are only three points back of Greek Superleague leaders Olympiacos while continuing to maintain an excellent pace at the top of the Conference League table.

Koita has mainly been used in a substitute role this season, but is enjoying a more prominent role in continental matches. He now has 3 goals in the Conference League and 4 goals in 27 matches across all competitions this season.