Turkey: Taiwo Lawal scores maiden Unye Kadin goal

By Saheed Afolabi 

Nigeria international Taiwo Lawal marked her first goal of the season for Unye Kadin Futbol Kulubu in their thrilling 2-2 draw against Hakkarigücü in the Turkish Women’s Football Super Lig.

Lawal, who had an impressive 15-goal haul in the league last season, showed her attacking prowess once again with a stunning right-footed strike in the 64th minute to equalize for Unye Kadin.

The goal came after a defensive mistake by Hakkarigücü, which Lawal capitalized on to score her first of the 2024-25 campaign.

The match was an emotional rollercoaster for the hosts after falling behind 1-0 in the first half, Unye Kadin were struggling to find their rhythm.

However, Lawal’s equalizer lifted their spirits, but the joy was short-lived. Hakkarigücü regained the lead shortly after, putting Unye Kadin on the back foot once again.

But the fight wasn’t over for the home side. In the dying moments of the match, Princess Owusu rescued a point for Unye Kadin with a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer, ensuring the teams shared the spoils.

With the draw, Unye Kadin remain in 11th place in the Turkish Women’s Super Lig, collecting five points from six matches. Their next challenge comes on Sunday, November 10, when they face Beylerbeyispor at the Beylerbeyi 75 Yıl Stadium, which has a 5,500 capacity.

While Lawal’s maiden goal of the season brought some much-needed confidence to the team, Unye Kadin will be hoping to improve their standing and find more consistency as the season progresses.