FERGANA DERBY ENDS WITH A CONVINCING AWAY VICTORY FOR VISITORS
As expected, the first half began with a wave of attacks from the Fergana side. However, the hosts from Kokand managed to break the deadlock first. In the 11th minute of the match, the home team launched a counter-attack, delivering a high cross into the penalty box. Toma Tabatadze capitalized on the situation with a precise header to open the scoring — 1:0.
After conceding the goal, our team quickly regained their composure and restored parity. Zoran Marušić received the ball and beat the goalkeeper with a brilliant, powerful shot — 1:1.
Following the equalizer, ball possession and control of the game shifted entirely to the Fergana side. Our team created several dangerous opportunities and came very close to taking the lead. However, these attempts failed to yield further goals before the break, sending both teams to the locker rooms tied.
The second half also kicked off with continuous pressure from Fergana, and this intensity paid off rapidly. In the 48th minute, Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev reacted quickest inside the box following a corner kick, beating the opposition defenders to slot the ball into the net — 1:2. The hosts refused to back down and leveled the score just two minutes later. Finding space outside the box, Shahzod Akramov unleashed a stunning long-range strike to make it 2:2.
The goal fest was far from over. Pushing forward once again, Fergana's Asilbek Jumayev tried his luck with a heavy strike from distance. Although the goalkeeper managed to parry the shot, Zoran Marušić was the first to react to the rebound, completing his double and putting his team ahead once more — 2:3.
The turning point of the match arrived in the 61st minute. Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev stopped a dangerous attack from the home team with a foul, earning a direct red card from the referee and leaving the field early.
Despite being down to ten men, the Fergana side did not retreat into defense; instead, they maintained an active attacking approach. In the 86th minute, Koffi Kouao produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting into the penalty area from the right wing before firing a powerful strike past the keeper — 2:4!
Despite Kokand's desperate attempts to bounce back in the closing minutes, Fergana defended with discipline and secured the victory. By taking three crucial points in this regional derby, our team successfully moved to the top of the league table as sole leaders.
UZBEKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE
October 16 | Matchday 24
Kokand City, "Markaziy" Stadium | 19:00
KOKAND-1912 — 2:4 — NEFTCHI
Goals: Toma Tabatadze, 11' (1:0), Zoran Marušić, 14' (1:1), Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev, 48' (1:2), Shahzod Akramov, 50' (2:2), Zoran Marušić, 57' (2:3), Koffi Kouao, 61' (2:4)
Sent off: Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev, 86' (Neftchi)
- Referee: Gayrat Jurayev
- Assistant Referees: Shokhrukh Azamov, Azizbek Isaqov
- Fourth Official: Salohiddin Akramov
- VAR: Rustam Choriyev
- AVAR: Adhamjon Rixsiboyev
- Match Inspector: Sultonbek Zaylabidinov
- Match Commissioner: Shohruh Said
Neftchi: 45. Akbar Turayev, 8. Vladimir Jovović (20. Anvarjon Gofurov, 63'), 9. Khurshid Giyosov (6. Ibrohimhalil Yuldoshev, 73'), 11. Asilbek Jumayev (7. Abrorbek Ismoilov, 63'), 15. Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev, 21. Mukhsinjon Ubaydullayev, 22. Alisher Odilov (71. Bilolkhon Toshmirzayev, 81'), 32. Zoran Marušić (18. Stipe Perica, 73'), 34. Farrukh Sayfiyev, 52. Koffi Kouao, 77. Ratinho.
Substitutes: 16. Ibrohim Shokirov, 2. Izzatillo Pulatov, 27. Nurbek Sarsenbayev, 30. Rustambek Fomin.
Head Coach: Islombek Ismoilov
Press Service of FC "Neftchi"