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Kelechi Iheanacho’s impressive run of scoring in 12 consecutive league appearances came to an end on Saturday as Bursaspor secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Bandırmaspor in the Turkish First League.
The Super Eagles striker started and played the entire match but could not find the net as his side maintained their position at the top of the table with their 13th league fixture completed.
Lewis Baker scored twice, while Halil Akbunar added another goal as Bursaspor took control of the encounter within the opening 23 minutes.
Akbunar opened the scoring in the seventh minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball from a corner to put the hosts ahead.
Bursaspor doubled their advantage five minutes later when Baker capitalised on a defensive error, scoring from distance into an unguarded goal.
The midfielder completed his brace in the 23rd minute with another powerful long-range effort that went in off the post, giving the hosts a commanding three-goal lead.
Iheanacho remained involved in Bursaspor’s attacking play after the interval, while Akbunar and Amine Boutrah also threatened as the hosts searched for another goal.
Bandırmaspor briefly thought they had scored a consolation goal in the second half, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite failing to extend his scoring streak, Iheanacho remains on 16 league goals and three assists this season.
The Nigerian had scored in his previous 12 consecutive league appearances, including his goal in Bursaspor’s 4-2 victory over Ankara Keçiörengücü last weekend.
He had also recovered from the knock sustained in that encounter to feature against Bandırmaspor.
Fellow Nigerian Tosin Kehinde started for the visitors but was booked in the second minute before being substituted for Dominique Badji shortly after the hour mark.
The victory takes Bursaspor to 31 points and extends their winning run to four league matches. They have also recorded three clean sheets during that sequence.
Iheanacho will have another opportunity to return to the scoresheet when Bursaspor travel to face Antalyaspor on November 6.