Trabzonspor kicked off their UEFA Conference League group stage with a 4-2 away victory over KuPS Kuopio in Finland. The win on 15 October 2026 earned the Black Sea Storm three vital points and ended a six-match winless run in European competitions.
Playing at the Tammelan Stadı in Tampere, manager Thomas Reis made six changes to his starting lineup. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, assisted by captain Mohamed Salah, but was forced off injured just seven minutes later. Salah then found the net himself just before half-time to double the advantage.
Franculino Dju extended the lead to 3-0 shortly after the restart. KuPS pulled one back through Petteri Pennanen in the 54th minute, but any hope of a comeback was dented when goalkeeper Andre Onana saved a penalty five minutes later. Franculino sealed the win with his second goal in stoppage time before a late KuPS consolation.
KEY RETURNS
The match marked significant returns for several players. Batista Mendy made his first appearance for Trabzonspor in 417 days following his loan spell at Sevilla. Benjamin Bouchouari also featured for the first time in 49 days, while Samet Akaydin made his first start for the club.
The victory provides a boost for Trabzonspor, who sit 5th in the Süper Lig with 13 points from 7 games. Top scorer Mohamed Salah took his season tally to 7 goals in 7 appearances with his strike in Finland. The team now turns its focus to a domestic clash against Beşiktaş on 18 October, before hosting Hearts in their next Conference League fixture on 22 October.
The report in full is at Fotomac
Trabzonspor star Mohamed Salah raised his total UEFA club competition goals to 65 with his strike in the KuPS win. This statistic moved him into 11th place in the all-time rankings, level with Erling Haaland. Salah said, "Two goals from the top of the list." The team continues its campaign 5th in the Süper Lig with 13 points. The Beşiktaş match is on 18 October.
