Trabzonspor began their Conference League league-phase campaign with a 4-2 win over KuPS in Tampere on Thursday, although an early injury to Paul Onuachu tempered the result.
Quick facts
- Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the third minute from a Mohamed Salah assist.
- The Nigerian forward left injured in the 10th minute after receiving treatment.
- Mohamed Salah scored before the interval, while substitute Franculino Djú struck after half-time.
- André Onana stopped a Piotr Parzyszek penalty.
- Onuachu shared the Süper Lig golden boot last season with 22 goals.
Onuachu put the visitors ahead inside three minutes, collecting Salah’s delivery before placing a finish low into the right corner. VAR reviewed the incident and allowed the goal to stand.
The striker required medical attention around the sixth minute and was unable to continue. Franculino Djú replaced him four minutes later, with Trabzonspor yet to provide details on the extent of the injury.
Salah doubled Trabzonspor’s advantage before the break. Djú then marked his introduction with another goal after the restart.
KuPS responded through Petteri Pennanen, but goalkeeper André Onana preserved Trabzonspor’s position by saving Piotr Parzyszek’s penalty. Gustav Engvall later scored a late consolation for the home side.
Onuachu’s condition will be closely monitored after he finished last season as the Süper Lig’s joint-leading scorer, having netted 22 times.
