ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Sariyer opened its 1. Lig campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Ankara Kecio on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Yusuf Ziya Öniş Stadyumu, outperforming pregame projections with a dynamic offensive display.

The home side, fueled by key performances from midfielder André Biyogho Poko and forward Metehan Mert, controlled large stretches of the match to begin the Turkish second-division season with a win. Ankara Kecio, meanwhile, leaves Istanbul still searching for its first points.

Sariyer established an early lead and never relinquished it. The opening goal arrived in the 14th minute, with Metehan Mert finding the net to settle any early nerves for the home supporters. Ankara Kecio struggled to mount a consistent threat in response, and the pattern of Sariyer dominance continued after the break.

The lead was doubled just past the hour mark. In the 61st minute, André Biyogho Poko capitalized on Sariyer’s sustained pressure, scoring to give his team a more comfortable two-goal cushion. The match appeared to be slipping decisively away from the visitors, but Ankara Kecio found a lifeline in the 79th minute. Batuhan Kör’s goal cut the deficit in half and introduced a tense final phase to the contest.

Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were extinguished in second-half stoppage time. Deep into added time, Mame Birame Diouf sealed the three points for Sariyer with the game’s final goal, ensuring the scoreline reflected the home side’s overall superiority.

The match was a physical affair, with four yellow cards issued by the officiating crew. Ankara Kecio’s Cebrail Karayel was booked in the 70th minute, followed by Sariyer substitute Júnior Fernándes in the 74th. Aytaç Kara of Ankara Kecio saw a yellow in the 85th minute, and Francis Ezeh received one in the dying moments following the final goal.

The result defied the pregame statistical models. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gave Sariyer just a 52.6 percent probability of securing a victory. The comprehensive nature of Sariyer’s win, therefore, marks a statement performance to start the season.

With the victory, Sariyer begins its 1. Lig season with a record of one win and no losses, carrying that positive form into all competitions. Ankara Kecio starts with the inverse, at no wins and one loss, as it looks to regroup after an opening-day defeat on the road.

The individual performances of Poko and Mert, each with a goal, proved decisive. Fernándes, entering as a substitute, contributed an assist, as did Ankara Kecio defender Karayel, but it was not enough for the visitors to avoid a losing start to the 2026 campaign.