ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Substitute Cheikne Sylla scored in the 84th minute to give Erzurumspor a 1-0 road victory over Istanbulspor in a Turkish 1. Lig match on Thursday.

The decisive goal at Necmi Kadıoğlu Stadyumu came from Sylla, assisted by Alieu Cham. The match was a defensive struggle until the late breakthrough, defying pregame projections that favored the hosts.

Erzurumspor, which also defeated Istanbulspor 4-0 in November, extended its strong league form. The visitors collected three yellow cards, to Vefa Temel, Cham and Emrecan Uzunhan, in the physical contest. Istanbulspor failed to find an equalizer in the closing minutes.

The result solidifies Erzurumspor’s position near the top of the league table, while Istanbulspor’s struggles continue.