Fenerbahçe suffer early injuries as Kadıköy whistle starts match vs Kasımpaşa

fenerbahçe were forced into early changes after two injuries as the match against Kasımpaşa began at 20: 00 ET; the first whistle sounded in Kadıköy and at least four minutes were added to the end of the first half.

Fenerbahçe lineup and forced changes

The starting eleven listed for Fenerbahçe included Ederson, Semedo, Çağlar Söyüncü, Jayden Oosterwolde, Levent, İsmail Yüksek, Guendouzi, Musaba, Asensio, Nene and Talisca. During the match Jayden Oosterwolde suffered an injury and was substituted; N'Golo Kante entered the game in his place. Çağlar Söyüncü also left the match injured and was replaced by Yiğit Efe. A club coach commented on lineup flexibility and the need to find solutions when key players are unavailable, noting that the team had prepared for different tactical setups and that certain experienced players were trusted to step in.

Key match incidents and goalkeeper contributions

Early to midgame action featured several attempts and goalkeeper interventions. Asensio had a shot from the left side of the penalty area that goalkeeper Gianniotis pushed to a corner. On another sequence Asensio again had a chance from a lofted ball and Gianniotis collected the effort. Nene delivered a cross from the right that Gianniotis also controlled in the box. From Kasımpaşa's side, Diabate had a shot from inside the penalty area that goalkeeper Ederson saved. Musaba had a first-time attempt that went over the bar. Defending teams repeatedly cleared crosses and blocked deliveries as both sides contested in and around the penalty area.

Match officials, squad notes and absences

The fixture at Chobani Stadı began at 20: 00 ET; the match page shows an update timestamp of 2026. 02. 23 20: 15 ET. The referee named for the game was Yasin Kol, with Sarper Barış Saka in the VAR position. Kasımpaşa's listed lineup included Gianniotis, Kamil Ahmet, Opoku (or Arous in an alternate listing), Frimpong, Baldursson, Ben Ouanes, Diabate, İrfan Can, Benedyczak and Cenk Tosun. Ahead of the match Rodrigo Becao and Kerem Demirbay were not included in Kasımpaşa's match squad because of injuries, a detail noted before kick-off.

At least four minutes of added time were played at the end of the first half. Tactical notes from pre-match comments indicated Fenerbahçe had recently used formations such as 2-1-5-2 and 3-1-4-2 and that wide players tended to cut inside; those observations framed expectations for how both teams approached the contest.

Key takeaways

• Injuries forced two in-game substitutions for fenerbahçe, bringing N'Golo Kante and Yiğit Efe onto the field.
• Goalkeepers Gianniotis and Ederson made crucial saves and ball recoveries during attacking sequences.
• At least four minutes of first-half stoppage time were played; two Kasımpaşa players were absent from the matchday squad due to injury.

Forward look: with enforced changes already made, the immediate focus is on managing player fitness and on-field adjustments for the remainder of this match; if further injuries occur, the team faces tactical choices that were highlighted in pre-match preparations.