Ten Canaries Hang On for 1-0 Win

It was a more difficult win than expected, but Fenerbahce scored in the first half and hung on for a 1-0 win over Ankaragucu in Izmir. Stephen Appiah's lone goal in the 38th minute was all the Canaries would need for a win on Friday.

The win was even more impressive because Fener played much of the game with only ten men. Striker Mateja Kezman received a red card in the 58th minute, sending him off. The Fenerbahce defense held off relentless Ankaragucu, and Zico replaced Alex with a fresh Deivid de Souza at the 70-minute mark to hopefully provide some fresh scoring punch for Fener. Deivid failed to connect, but one goal would be enough on this day.

Fenerbahce temporarily moves ten points ahead of second-place Galatasaray for the time being. The Lions face Bursaspor in Super Lig action on Sunday. Behind Fener is a log-jam of rivals, with Vestel Manisaspor moving into a tie with Galatasaray for second place. V. Manisa plays Denizlispor on Sunday. Besiktas and Kayserispor sit directly behind them with 26 points each.

More to come on today's victory soon...