Süper Lig: Bayo scores as Gaziantep take big step towards retaining top flight status

Mohamed Bayo’s season of redemption continued on Monday in the Turkish Süper Lig with the Guinean scoring the first goal in Gaziantep FK’s 3-0 victory over Kayserispor.

The result means that top flight football is all but secure next season for the midtable club, who have endured a season of ups and downs but produced victories when it mattered most.

Bayo finally finds his stride on loan in Süper Lig

One of the positive themes of their campaign has been Bayo, acquired on loan from Ligue 1 club Lille following unsuccessful loan spells in the French top flight as well as Belgium.

Since joining Lille ahead of the 2022-23 season after starring with Clermont Foot, Bayo produced only 13 goals in 87 appearances for Lille, Le Havre and Royal Antwerp. But after scoring on Monday, he has 14 goals in 25 league appearances for his current club.

The poacher largely has Kacper Kozłowski to thank for his opening goal in the 25th minute. The Polish playmaker latched onto a quick throw-in and showed excellent determination to avoid defenders before cutting back for Bayo to strike a deflected effort into the top corner.

An own goal just before halftime made life more difficult for visitors Kayserispor, who are in the heat of the relegation battle while sitting second from bottom of the table. A late penalty kick confirmed the decisive victory for the hosts.

 

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With four matches to spare,