Salah scores first Turkish Super Lig brace in Trabzonspor's 2-1 win

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Trabzonspor defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 2-1 in the Turkish Super Lig, marking his first brace for the club. It was also his first league start in Turkey, while the result increased the focus on Paul Onuachu’s continuing failure to score.

Salah operated behind Onuachu in Trabzonspor’s attack and opened his account after taking possession from Basaksehir goalkeeper Muhammed Sengezer. His effort took a deflection before striking the inside of the post and finding the net.

Eldor Shomurodov brought Basaksehir level from the penalty spot, but Salah restored Trabzonspor’s advantage with a first-time shot from close range. The Egypt forward later had a third goal ruled out for offside after finishing into an unguarded net from long range in added time.

Onuachu has now gone seven consecutive league matches without scoring, stretching back to the end of last season. The Nigerian striker was the Turkish Super Lig’s leading scorer last season after producing 22 goals, but his lack of goals has become an issue at the start of the new campaign.

Trabzonspor’s coaching staff have held discussions with Onuachu about the drought, while Salah and Stefan Savic have been helping to maintain his confidence. Onuachu’s latest appearance came with Salah playing just behind him, but it was the Egyptian who supplied the decisive attacking contribution.

The match was Salah’s third appearance since joining Trabzonspor. He came on as a substitute against Kasimpasa last weekend and started the Europa League play-off first leg against Ferencvaros, which Trabzonspor lost.

The 34-year-old left Liverpool on a free transfer this summer after nine years and 257 goals with the English club. He had been expected to move to Saudi Arabia before choosing Trabzonspor on a two-year contract. His two goals against Basaksehir provided an immediate return after his first two outings without a goal.