Kocaelispor Holds Beşiktaş to 1–1 in Thrilling Turkish Cup Group C Clash

Kocaelispor 1–1 Beşiktaş: Dursun Strikes Early but Kökçü’s Late Penalty Rescues Giants in Turkish Cup Group C Drama

Match Facts (5 February 2026, Turkish Time)

Beşiktaş narrowly escaped a shocking defeat after drawing 1–1 with Kocaelispor in a tense Turkish Cup Group C clash on 5 February 2026. What many expected to be a comfortable outing for the Istanbul giants turned into a nervy tactical battle, as both sides mirrored each other in structured 4-2-3-1 formations.

Mid-table Kocaelispor delivered a fearless and organised performance, taking an early lead through Serdar Dursun’s penalty and frustrating Beşiktaş for most of the match with disciplined defending and sharp transitions. With the Group C standings at stake, the pressure intensified as Beşiktaş struggled to break down a compact defensive block.

The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Orkun Kökçü replaced Kartal Yılmaz, injecting creativity and urgency into the visitors’ midfield. Just when defeat seemed inevitable, Kökçü stepped up in the 89th minute to convert a decisive penalty and rescue a valuable point in the group stage.

While the draw keeps Beşiktaş competitive in Group C, the performance raised serious questions about their ability to control games against well-organised opposition.

Caricature Created For Illustration Purpose Only, Just To Visualize A Stalemate Match Between Kocaelispor And Beşiktaş.

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Key Moments in the Match

18’ — Serdar Dursun Gives Kocaelispor a Dream Start

Kocaelispor shocked the favourites when Serdar Dursun calmly converted a penalty, sending the home crowd into celebration and putting early pressure on Beşiktaş in this crucial Group C encounter.

Structured First-Half Battle

Both teams’ mirrored 4-2-3-1 shapes led to a compact midfield contest. Kocaelispor’s disciplined double pivot disrupted Beşiktaş’s attempts to build rhythm, limiting clear attacking opportunities.

Kocaelispor Threaten on Transitions

As Beşiktaş pushed their fullbacks forward, Kocaelispor exploited the space behind them with quick counterattacks, maintaining a constant threat and reinforcing their tactical discipline.

62’ — Kökçü’s Introduction Changes Momentum

Replacing Kartal Yılmaz, Orkun Kökçü added vertical passing and improved tempo. Beşiktaş began to find more spaces between the lines and increased attacking pressure.

89’ — Late Penalty Drama Saves Beşiktaş

After sustained pressure in the closing minutes, Beşiktaş earned a crucial penalty. Kökçü stepped up confidently to equalise, denying Kocaelispor a historic Group C victory.

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Tactical Battles — Mirror 4-2-3-1 Systems in a Strategic Cup Clash

Double Pivot Discipline vs Progressive Midfield Play

Both sides used two holding midfielders, but Kocaelispor emphasised compactness and defensive structure, while Beşiktaş sought more progressive movement and attacking support.

Fullback Positioning and Counterattacking Space

Beşiktaş’s aggressive fullback positioning aimed to stretch the defensive block but created transitional opportunities that Kocaelispor exploited effectively.

Central Congestion Limits Creativity

The identical formations resulted in crowded central zones. Beşiktaş struggled to find vertical penetration until Kökçü’s arrival provided sharper forward passing and positional fluidity.

Late Pressure vs Defensive Organisation

Kocaelispor remained organised for most of the match, but Beşiktaş increased penalty-area presence late on, eventually forcing the decisive foul that led to the equalising penalty.

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Key Players

Serdar Dursun (Kocaelispor)

Set the tone with a composed early penalty and provided a reliable focal point for counterattacks, helping his team maintain attacking threat despite limited possession.

Orkun Kökçü (Beşiktaş)

The decisive impact substitute. Improved midfield progression and delivered the crucial late penalty that kept Beşiktaş alive in Group C.

Kartal Yılmaz (Beşiktaş)

Struggled to break through Kocaelispor’s structured midfield, highlighting the need for greater creativity in central areas.

Hrvoje Smolčić (Kocaelispor)

Led Kocaelispor''s defensive unit. Compact lines, smart pressing triggers, and tactical discipline frustrated Beşiktaş for most of the contest.

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Summary

In a dramatic Turkish Cup Group C encounter, Kocaelispor came within minutes of a famous victory after Serdar Dursun’s early penalty put them ahead against one of Turkey’s biggest clubs. Their disciplined 4-2-3-1 structure and intelligent transitions showcased how tactical organisation can neutralise even the strongest opponents.

Beşiktaş ultimately avoided humiliation thanks to Orkun Kökçü’s late penalty, but the performance exposed ongoing concerns in midfield creativity, defensive balance, and attacking cohesion.

The result keeps the group stage finely balanced — and serves as a warning that in cup football, reputation alone is never enough.