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Tuesday, 20 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah aims to spark Trabzonspor’s title challenge with a win over Amed Spor, following early Europa League elimination and his historic brace against Başakşehir.
Egyptian national team captain Mohamed Salah is set to lead Trabzonspor into a pivotal Turkish Süper Lig fixture against Amed Spor at 9:30 p.m. local time on Monday — the third round of the domestic league campaign — as the club seeks to move past its abrupt exit from Europa League qualifying.
Trabzonspor suffered a 1–0 home defeat to Ferencváros in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier before enduring a heavier 4–0 loss in the return match, eliminating them from the competition entirely.
The club currently holds four points from its opening two league matches: a 1–1 draw with Kasımpaşa in Round 1, followed by a 2–1 victory over Başakşehir in Round 2 — a match in which Salah scored both goals for Trabzonspor.
According to global statistics network Opta, Salah became the first foreign player in the history of the Turkish Süper Lig to score twice for Trabzonspor at their home ground against Başakşehir.
A win over Amed Spor would mark Trabzonspor’s second consecutive league victory and accelerate its entry into the early-season title race. Conversely, a loss would raise questions about the club’s capacity to contend for silverware this season.
Following the Europa League elimination, Salah addressed Trabzonspor fans via his official X account, reaffirming his commitment to the club’s long-term project and determination to pursue trophies.
In the message, he stated: “Nothing in my career has ever been easy. Bad nights and disappointments are part of football — and I’ve learned to turn them into motivation, and into trophies.”
He emphasized his bond with the Turkish club: “Trabzonspor is my team, and I am part of this project with my entire being and soul. What happened last night will not change that.”
Despite the European setback, Salah expressed strong confidence: “I know expectations are high, and I truly believe we can deliver what is expected — and we will succeed.”
He concluded by underscoring his core objective since joining the club: “I came here to win — and that is not just a phrase for me.”
The statement reflects Salah’s intent to swiftly overcome the disappointment of the Europa League exit and refocus fully on upcoming Süper Lig commitments — amid growing fan hopes that Trabzonspor will mount a serious championship challenge this season.
