Turkish team, Hatayspor, is making preparations for the upcoming 2023-24 football season after withdrawing from the Turkish Super Lig due to the devastating earthquake that struck the country.
The earthquake claimed the life of Christian Atsu, a beloved forward for Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, along with over 50,000 other individuals.
After months of mourning and organizing themselves, Hatayspor made a return to action on Sunday, July 9, by playing a friendly match against Hull City, an English lower-tier side.
Prior to the game, the Hatayspor squad gathered for a team photo, with a club official holding up the jersey of the late Christian Atsu as a way to remember and pay tribute to the player.
The friendly match ended in a 1-1 draw, with neither team emerging as the winner. Despite the result, the event served as a meaningful occasion for Hatayspor to honor the memory of Christian Atsu and continue their footballing journey following the earthquake.
The English club, Hull City took the lead in the 67th minute through Will Jarvis before an equaliser from Unal Durmushan in the 83rd minute forced the match to end in a draw.
Hatayspor are expected to pay tribute to Christian Atsu, other players, and club officials who lost their lives in the earthquake when the new football season starts.