Onana Concedes Direct Corner Goal as Salah Shines for Trabzonspor
Andre Onana endured an awkward night in European competition on Thursday, conceding a goal directly from a corner while playing for Trabzonspor in the Conference League. The 30-year-old goalkeeper, who remains under contract at Manchester United but is on loan in Turkey, was facing Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS).
Trabzonspor started brightly under coach Thomas Reis. Former Southampton striker Paul Onuachu gave the hosts the lead in the third minute, setting the tone for what looked like a comfortable start to their European campaign.
Salah Adds Another Goal to His Tally
Mohamed Salah, who joined the Turkish club in the summer after leaving Liverpool, doubled the advantage in the 44th minute. The forward reacted to a blocked shot bouncing around the penalty area and finished high with the inside of his left foot. It was his eighth goal of the season in only ten appearances, and it appeared to leave the Finnish visitors with a mountain to climb.
Franculino Dju then extended the lead to 3-0 shortly after the interval, and Trabzonspor seemed to be cruising towards a strong opening result in the competition.
Onana Error Gives KuPS a Lifeline
The visitors, however, were handed a way back into the contest by the goalkeeper’s mistake. Veteran Petteri Pennanen scored for KuPS straight from a corner, with Onana unable to keep the delivery out of his net. The goal was widely shared on social media, including by TNT Sports, and will add to the attention on a keeper whose career has been closely followed in recent months.
For Onana, the moment is an unwelcome blemish during a loan spell away from United. For Trabzonspor, it was a reminder that even a commanding lead can be disturbed by a single lapse, though Salah’s early-season form suggests his move to Turkey is already paying off handsomely.