

Karaköprü Belediyesi Spor Kulübü pulled off a stirring 2-1 comeback victory over Atakas Hatayspor in the Türkiye Kupası on 7 October 2026. The visitors recovered from a first-half deficit to claim a memorable away win and eliminate their higher-division hosts from the competition.
Match Overview
Atakas Hatayspor began the match as clear favourites and looked every bit the part in the opening half-hour, controlling possession and creating chances with crisp passing. They took a deserved lead midway through the first half and seemed in command. But Karaköprü Belediyesi responded with remarkable resilience, equalising early in the second half and then scoring a dramatic late winner to stun the home crowd and complete a famous cup upset.
Key Moments
- 34th minute: Atakas Hatayspor take the lead from the penalty spot after a foul in the box, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
- 62nd minute: Karaköprü equalise when a well-worked short corner is whipped in and met with a glancing header at the near post.
- 76th minute: Hatayspor nearly regain the lead, but a goal-bound shot is deflected onto the post.
- 84th minute: The winner. Karaköprü’s striker latches onto a through ball, rounds the goalkeeper and slots into an empty net to make it 2-1.
Tactical Story
Hatayspor lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and dominated the first half with quick combinations through the middle. However, as the game wore on, Karaköprü’s decision to switch to a more aggressive 4-3-3 after the break changed the momentum. The visitors pressed higher, forced turnovers and attacked with numbers. Hatayspor struggled to adapt, and their substitution patterns failed to stem the tide. Karaköprü’s winning goal was a classic counter-attack, executed with pace and precision.
Standout Players
Karaköprü’s centre-forward was the hero, scoring the equaliser and the late winner with two calm finishes. Their midfield captain drove the comeback with relentless energy and smart distribution. For Hatayspor, the playmaker showed flashes of class in the first half, but the team’s defensive fragility after the break proved costly. The goalkeeper made one excellent save but was left exposed for both goals.
What It Means for the Cup
Karaköprü Belediyesi Spor Kulübü advance to the next round with a giant-killing result that will live long in the memory of their supporters. Atakas Hatayspor exit the Türkiye Kupası earlier than expected, a disappointing blow given their ambitions. For Karaköprü, the win provides belief that they can compete with anyone in a one-off knockout tie, and they will await the next draw with genuine excitement.