Astana created Champions League history by becoming the first team from Kazakhstan to win a point in the group stages of the competition.
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That said, the Istanbul club lost all three of their Champions League away fixtures against Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Anderlecht last season and their defeat at home against Atleti two weeks ago means that they are winless in nine matches at Champions League level.
Canas’ late intervention – albeit with the help of Lionel Carole on the line – capped a frantic final 15 minutes at the Astana Arena that saw the Kazakhstani champions twice come from behind.
Galatasaray midfielder Bilal Kisa marked his first appearance in a European competition match when he opened the scoring in the 31st minute of their Group C match, sending the ball into the bottom right-hand corner with a spinning left-footed shot from more than 30 metres out.
Galatasaray players celebrate a goal against Astana during the…
Galatasaray immediately looked to restore their advantage and after Eric had saved from Jason Denayer the goalkeeper inexplicably turned into his own net as he tried to claim Gumus’ cross.
With 88 minutes showing on the clock, Muslera punched out a cross but only as far as Roger Canas, standing at the edge of the area.
Beaten 2-0 in their opening group game by Benfica, Astana had displayed plenty of early nerves as Wesley Sneijder dominated the midfield battle.
With Ghanaian striker Patrick Twumasi still serving a suspension, Georgi Zhukov’s low strike that was easily gathered by Galatasaray ‘keeper Fernando Muslera represented the lone effort of note for the home side before the visitors forged ahead on 30 minutes.
Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoglu was disappointed by his side’s second-half display as they drew 2-2 with Astana in the Champions League.
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But Astana raised their game at the start of the second half and the Galatasaray goal led a charmed life as Baurzhan Dzholchiyev and Kabananga both went close.
