Club Brugge Captain Rues Missed Chance By Nigeria U23 Striker Okereke

Club Brugge left Istanbul with one point after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Galatasaray on Tuesday night, thanks to Krépin Diatta's injury time equaliser.

The result saw the Belgian First Division A team eliminated from the UEFA Champions League but they could finish third in the group and qualify for the Europa League if they beat Real Madrid on December 11.

The outcome of the game at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi would have been different if David Okereke had converted his chance in the 80th minute.

The Nigeria U23 international beat the offside trap but fired the ball wide from close range when he should have at least drawn a save from Galatasaray goalkeeper Muslera.

Speaking post-match, Club Brugge captain Vanaken rued the chance missed by the Nigerian, saying : ''In the second half we tried to keep on pushing and pushing. We got a great chance through David [Okereke] and then when it finally goes in the 92nd minute through that great goal from Krépin [Diatta], that's even more enjoyable."

A summer arrival from Spezia in Italy, Okereke has yet to open his goalscoring account in the group stage of the Champions League after four appearances.

The Club Brugge number 14 played the last 13 minutes against Galatasaray while Emmanuel Dennis was in action for 58 minutes before he was replaced.

Igho Kingsley