Mohamed Salah marked his first Turkish Super Lig start for Trabzonspor in style, scoring twice as his side defeated Istanbul Basaksehir. The Egypt international also came close to completing a hat-trick in a lively performance.
The 34-year-old forward joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer this summer after spending nine successful years at Liverpool, where he scored 257 goals. Despite expectations that he would move to Saudi Arabia, Salah opted for a two-year contract with the Turkish club, reportedly earning £280,000 per week.
The match was Salah’s third appearance for Trabzonspor. He previously came off the bench against Kasimpasa before starting in their Europa League play-off first-leg defeat to Ferencvaros.
Salah opened his Trabzonspor scoring account after dispossessing Basaksehir goalkeeper Muhammed Sengezer before his effort took a deflection and went in off the inside of the post.
Eldor Shomurodov later equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot, but Salah restored Trabzonspor’s advantage with a first-time finish from about 10 yards.
The veteran forward was booked with 11 minutes remaining after the referee judged that he had gone to ground inside the penalty area in an attempt to win a penalty.
Salah appeared to have completed his hat-trick in stoppage time when he found the empty net from around 45 yards. However, the goal was ruled out for offside, denying him a memorable treble on his Super Lig debut.
