When outfield players have to go in goal due to emergencies, it certainly piques the interest of everyone watching. A little cameo between the sticks is always appreciated by fans as it represents a player taking one for their team. Now imagine donning on the keeper’s gloves on two separate occasions in the same game.
This outrageous tale comes to us courtesy of the Turkish Cup also known as ‘Ziraat Türkiye Kupası’ and at the centre of it is a rather familiar figure.
Mame Biram Diouf, former Machester United and Stoke City striker has been continuing his trade for Super Lig side Hatayspor. He’s been in excellent form and has propelled his team to 3rd place in the Turkish league. Currently eyeing cup glory, he certainly left no stone unturned during his team’s 4th round fixture against Eyupspor.
After a tame 90 minutes, the 33-year-old’s evening faced a dramatic alteration when his side’s goalkeeper saw red for a lunging challenge in the final seconds of added time. The Senegalese striker was then called upon for a brief appearance in goal to which he obliged.
The two sides failed to find a winner and the game went on to extra time, giving Hatayspor a chance to bring on their substitute goalkeeper.
Diouf probably thought his mini endeavour between the sticks was over, however, in an incredible twist of fate the backup goalkeeper also ended up receiving marching orders from the referee, coincidentally in the final minute of extra time.
Hence it was Diouf’s turn again to keep the goal for his side but with the added stipulation of an impending penalty shootout due to the game still being tied at 1-1.
Diouf seemed unfazed and began the shootout doing what he does best as he calmly slotted home the first penalty beyond the opposition goalkeeper.
Now it was time for him to showcase his skills between the sticks and to his credit, he dived in the correct direction for every penalty bar the last one.
Diouf deserved to be on the winning side on the back of these efforts and fortunately for him, a fairytale ending followed the bizarre events.
The final penalty for Eyupspor ended up striking the post and a triumphant Diouf stood with his arms raised as his teammates mobbed him.
This is crazy. Ex Stoke player Mame Diouf yesterday played 2 times as a goalie (on 95th minute and 121st) and then scored first penalty and helped his team progress to the next round pic.twitter.com/qoeUD8Qwkq
— Andrew (@Tillian1243) December 2, 2021
With both goalkeepers suspended for Hatayspor’s next cup tie, Diouf is certainly a solid contender for the position.