Decisive figure heads Caykur Rizespor to home win over Kocaelispor

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·20 February 2026

Decisive figure heads Caykur Rizespor to home win over Kocaelispor

Samet Akaydin settled it in the 57th minute with a towering header, as Caykur Rizespor beat Kocaelispor 2-0.

He climbed above his marker to guide Qazim Laci's cross after a short corner into the top left (57.), turning a tight contest decisively the hosts' way.

OneFootball Videos

From there he organised the defence and dominated his box, finishing with seven clearances and two aerials won as Kocaelispor slung in 25 crosses.

Akaydin's positioning and timing told throughout the second half. He added four possessions won and three interceptions, while the visitors mustered only one shot on target.

The centre-back's display helps Caykur Rizespor rise from 13th to 11th in the Süper Lig. They visit Kasımpaşa next; Kocaelispor host Beşiktaş.