In the 26th round of the Uzbekistan Super League, Fergana’s Neftchi visited local team Sho‘rtan in Guzor. At a time when the championship race is heating up, the Fergana club earned three crucial points in this match.
At the start of the game, Sho‘rtan was more active than expected, but the visitors gradually took the initiative. In the 40th minute, Zoran Marusic effectively used an opportunity near the goal to open the score. This goal became the turning point of the match.
In the second half, Sho‘rtan tried to equalize, creating several dangerous attacks, but the Fergana players showed confident play in defense. In the 88th minute, Vladimir Jovovic’s accurate shot gave the guests a solid advantage and as a result, Neftchi secured an important 2-0 victory.
Sho‘rtan — Neftchi 0:2
October 25. Guzor. Markaziy (Central) stadium
Goals: Zoran Marusic (40), Vladimir Jovovic (88).
Sho‘rtan — Shohrukh Eshbotayev, Shohjahon Sultonmurodov, Ulugbek Khudoyberdiyev, Abubakr Rizo Turdialiev (Nuriddin Khasanov, 84), Polatkhoja Kholdorkhonov, Temur Mamasiddiqov (Jasur Hakimov, 77), Abror Toshqoziev (Diyor Asomiddinov, 84), Jurabek Mannonov (Sardor Sa’dullayev, 77), Muhammadaziz Ibrohimov (G‘anisher Qodirov, 62), Aziz Pirmukhammadov, Islombek Kenjaboyev
Neftchi — Botirali Ergashev, Bojan Siger, Ikrom Aliboyev, Abror Ismoilov, Joel Kojo (Zoran Marusic, 7), Jamshid Iskanderov, Quvondiq Roziyev (Ibrohim Khalil Yo‘ldoshev, 78), Anvar Gofurov, Muhsin Ubaydullayev, Alisher Odilov, (Vladimir Jovovic, 69), Jovan Jokic.
Warnings: Alisher Odilov (45+1), Quvondiq Roziyev (69).
After this win, Neftchi’s points reached 57, making the team the leader in the tournament table. Nasaf, meanwhile, dropped to second with 56 points. The Karshi club will play its next match away against OKMK.
For the Guzor club, this defeat was a serious blow — with 12 points, the team’s relegation to the Pro League has become almost certain. Despite the efforts of Sho‘rtan players, the lack of confidence in defense and inefficiency in attack once again took its toll.
Thus, Neftchi has taken an important step in the championship race. In the coming rounds, every match will be decisive — the championship race has yet to reach its peak.
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