Papy Djilobodji and Marius Doh earn promotion to Turkish Super Lig with Karagumruk

After signing for Turkish second tier side Karagümrük for the 2024-25 season following five seasons in the country’s top flight Süper Lig, veteran Senegalese defender Papy Djilobodji joined forces with Ivorian midfielder Marius Doh to lead the club to promotion on Thursday.

Karagümrük defeated Bandırmaspor by a 3-1 score after extra time to win the TFF 1. Lig promotion playoff with Djilobodji and Doh both playing the entire match. Former Aston Villa striker Wesley Moraes equalized for Karagümrük soon after halftime to leave the two teams tied 1-1 when regulation time was completed.

Just like the beginning of the second half, Karagümrük struck within a minute of kickoff in extra time to seize the advantage. Atakan Ridvan Cankaya’s 91st minute goal put the hosts ahead before Ahmet Sivri added one more goal in the 105th minute.

Karagümrük finished 3rd during the season while Bandırmaspor finished 5th, qualifying the teams for a five-team playoff to determine who would join second tier champions Kocaelispor and runners-up Gençlerbirliği in gaining promotion to the top flight. As the top ranked team, Karagümrük only had to play one match after receiving a bye while Bandırmaspor overcame Erzurumspor and Boluspor to reach the promotion playoff final.

Djilobodji, now 36-years-old, proved to be a crucial part of the Karagümrük side as the captain and one of the top rated defenders in the Turkish second division. He played in 36 league games and his experience was vital to a successful season.

On the other side, the 21-year-old Doh is a name to watch after gaining valuable experience on loan from Süper Lig runners-up Fenerbahçe. The Ivorian who formerly played for USC Bassam and LYS Sassandra in his native country was also ever present this season, appearing in 37 games with 2 goals and 2 assists in his first season in European football.

Doh has already agreed to a free transfer to Karagümrük and will surely be key figure next season in the Süper Lig, making the young defensive midfielder a player to watch among more fierce competition.