FERGANA'S STRONG-WILLED "NEFTCHI"
From the very first minutes of the match, both teams demonstrated high tempo and activity, showing their full commitment to attacking football. The game's first real goal-scoring opportunity occurred in the 18th minute: the visitors concluded a dangerous counterattack with a strong and accurate shot. However, the hosts' goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev pulled off a super save, showcasing his outstanding skills and rescuing his team from an inevitable goal.
In response, our team immediately launched a quick counterattack, executing a series of dangerous shots around the opponent's penalty area, but they lacked accuracy. The first half unfolded as a "battle of mutual attacks," with excellent goal-scoring chances arising on both sides. Nevertheless, thanks to the selfless play of the defenders and inaccurate finishing, both goals remained intact going into the break — 0:0.
The second half of the match began with intense and aggressive attacks from our players. Throwing great forces forward, our team laid siege to the opponent's penalty box, creating consecutive goal-scoring chances, but the final shots still lacked precision. As the game was drawing to a close, a real drama unfolded on the pitch. In the 88th minute, taking full advantage of a gross defensive error, the visitors launched a quick counterattack and managed to earn a penalty. The opponent's captain, Giorgi Papava, stepped up to the spot and made no mistake — 0:1.
However, despite conceding, our players did not lose heart. Showing tremendous willpower, they pushed forward with all their might. In one of the attacks, the goalkeeper parried a shot from inside the penalty area, but Nurbek Sarsenbayev was the first to reach the rebound and leveled the score with a powerful and accurate strike — 1:1!
And in the dramatic 90+8th minute added by the referee, a real "explosion" happened in Fergana: substitute Xurshid G‘iyosov found the back of the net with a magnificent shot, gifting the hosts a crucial 3 points and a spectacular comeback victory — 2:1!
UZBEKISTAN SUPER LEAGUE
November 8 | 27th round Fergana city,
"Istiqlol" stadium | 16:00
"NEFTCHI" 2:1 OKMK (AGMK)
Goals: Giorgi Papava, 88' pen (0:1), Nurbek Sarsenbayev, 90' (1:1), Xurshid G‘iyosov, 90+8' (2:1).
Main Referee: Akobirkhoja Shukurullayev
Assistant Referees: Alisher Usmonov, Sanjar Shoyusupov
Fourth Official: Alisher Tukhtasinov
VAR: Firdavs Norsafarov
AVAR: Avaz Abdullayev
Referee Assessor: Olimjon Abduvasilov
Match Commissioner: Vladimir Nazarov
"Neftchi": 1. Botirali Ergashev, 5. Ikrom Aliboyev, 7. Abrorbek Ismoilov (9. Xurshid G‘iyosov, 71'), 8. Vladimir Jovovic, 10. Jamshid Iskanderov (11. Asilbek Jumayev, 71'), 15. Nurmuhammad Abduganiyev, 18. Stipe Perica (27. Nurbek Sarsenbayev, 60'), 20. Anvarjon Gofurov, 22. Alisher Odilov (77. Ratinho, 71'), 34. Farrukh Sayfiyev, 52. Koffi Kouao.
Substitutes: 45. Akbar Turayev, 2. Izzatillo Pulatov, 6. Ibrohim Halil Yuldoshev, 50. Fayzullo Nurmuhammadov, 71. Bilolkhon Toshmirzayev.
Head Coach: Islombek Ismoilov