EXPERIENCE PROVES DECISIVE IN INTERNAL DERBY
EXPERIENCE PROVES DECISIVE IN INTERNAL DERBY
The match took an unexpected turn right from the kickoff with fierce attacks from the "Neftchi" U-21 side. Their early pressure nearly paid off as early as the 3rd minute, when Nurbek Sarsenbaev broke away from the opposition defenders and unleashed a dangerous shot. However, the first team's experienced goalkeeper, Akbar Turaev, reacted reliably to comfortably claim the ball.
The youngsters kept pushing forward, creating another golden opportunity in the 7th minute. This time, young forward Azizbek Muratov took aim from a promising position, but Turaev once again showcased his masterclass to deny what seemed a certain goal.
By the mid-way point of the first half, the senior team gained control of the tempo, leveling the playing field. Seizing the moment, "Neftchi's" attacking midfielder Abror Ismailov attempted to break the deadlock with a powerful long-range strike, but his effort flew off-target.
Just before the halftime whistle, the youth squad's persistence paid off. A beautifully orchestrated attack down the right flank was clinically finished by Azizbek Muratov, opening the scoreline — 0:1.
Conceding the goal sparked an immediate response from the senior side. They executed a dangerous combination that came agonizingly close to an equalizer, but Jovan Djokic’s powerful header rattled off the crossbar. Consequently, the teams headed into the interval with the youngsters holding a narrow one-goal lead.
The second half witnessed a complete shift in momentum, with the senior squad dictating the play and thoroughly dominating the pitch. Ultimately, it was the tactical substitutions introduced by the coaching staff that turned the tide of this friendly match.
First, Izzatillo Pulatov found the back of the net to restore parity (1:1). Shortly after, the clinical striker Stipe Perica struck twice to bag a brace, turning the game around (3:1). Ratinho then put the icing on the cake with a stunning final goal. Thus, leveraging their vast superiority in experience, the first team's dominant second-half display secured a well-deserved 4-1 comeback victory.
FRIENDLY MATCH
July 1st | 20:00
Kirguli district, "Neftchi Arena" Stadium
"NEFTCHI" 4:1 "NEFTCHI" U-21
Goals: Azizbek Muratov, 32’ (0:1), Stipe Perica, 57’ (1:1), Izzatillo Pulatov, 59’ (2:1), Stipe Perica, 72’ (3:1), Ratinho, 77’ (4:1).
"Neftchi":
45. Akbar Turaev (13. Abdulmumin Nurmukhammadov, 46), 20. Anvarjon Gafurov, 21. Mukhsin Ubaydullaev, 2. Izzatillo Pulatov, 5. Ikrom Alibaev, 6. Ibrokhim Khalil Yuldashev, 23. Jovan Djokic, 9. Khurshid Giyosov, 7. Abror Ismailov, 32. Zoran Marusic, 30. Rustambek Fomin.
Substitutes:
13. Abdulmumin Nurmukhammadov, 4. Bojan Ciger, 77. Ratinho, 11. Asilbek Jumaev, 18. Stipe Perica, 8. Vladimir Jovovic.
Head Coach: Islombek Ismailov.
"Neftchi" U-21:
16. Ibrokhim Shokirov (74. Zikrilloht Hotamjonov, 82), 42. Mukhammadsohib Tursunov (91. Abdulvosid Kuldrshev, 46), 15. Nurmukhammad Abduganiev (50. Fayzullo Nurmukhammadov, 75), 28. Mukhammadkodir Rasuljonov (97. Mirjalol Abdurakhimov, 84), 40. Abdulloh Rashidov (73. Elsevar Olimov, 46), 44. Muminkhon Bakhodirkhonov, 19. Azizbek Yerimbetov (79. Asilbek Tukhtasinov, 59), 25. Omadillo Abdubannobov (66. Khasanboy Umirzokov, 46), 17. Azizbek Muratov (57. Sanjar Makhsudbekov, 75), 29. Yakhyobek Isakov (76. Anvar Akhmadillaev, 46), 27. Nurbek Sarsenbaev (47. Salokhiddin Abdunomonov, 85).
Substitutes:
74. Zikrilloht Hotamjonov, 78. Mujohidbek Olimov.
Head Coach: Roman Sanjar.
Neftchi PFC Press Service