Süper Lig: Babicka strikes late to give Karagümrük crucial victory

Shavy Babicka’s late goal gave Turkish Süper Lig bottom side Fatih Karagümrük a massive 2-1 victory over Çaykur Rizespor on Sunday.

In the 89th minute, a free kick was floated into the Rizespor penalty area, initiating a sequence that ended with the Gabonese international’s well struck finish into the top corner.

The match was a close battle between two teams in the relegation picture, but for the hosts it was a crucial result. Karagümrük took the lead through Serginho in the first half but the visitors responded through Gambian striker Ali Sowe in the 70th minute.

But Babicka, signed on loan from Red Star Belgrade during the January transfer window, was given his first start since late February and took full advantage of his opportunity with a first goal for the club. The strong performance comes on the back of a successful March FIFA window with Gabon, where Babicka produced an assist in a friendly defeat to Uzbekistan.

After shocking title contenders Fenerbahçe in mid March, Sunday’s result represents further signs of life from a team that appeared to be condemned to certain relegation.

İç sahada son 4 maç 10 puan 💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/Xgwfkj2RrM

— Fatih Karagümrük SK (@karagumruk_sk) April 5, 2026

They remain at the foot of the table but are now only five points away from escaping the drop zone with six matches remaining. The club based in Istanbul province will next travel to face Konyaspor next Sunday, and their schedule for the remainder of the season is relatively favorable for a final push to retain their top flight status.