CAPITAL SIDE ADVANCE TO THE NEXT ROUND AFTER A THRILLING ENCOUNTER

The match began with a series of dangerous attacks from the visitors. Their early attacking intensity quickly paid off.

In the 11th minute, a foul was committed against a visiting player who was in possession of the ball inside our penalty area. After personally reviewing the replay on the VAR monitor, the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors. Jasurbek Yakhshiboyev confidently converted the spot kick to open the scoring — 0–1.

Following the opening goal, our players increased their attacking efforts and produced several dangerous shots on goal. However, in the 23rd minute, the visitors launched a counterattack and managed to score their second goal. Bilol Tupliyev finished the move with a powerful strike to make it 0–2.

After conceding the second goal, our players pushed forward once again and created several promising opportunities. Nevertheless, in the 33rd minute, another counterattack by the visitors resulted in a third goal. Jasurbek Yakhshiboyev found the net for the second time in the match, extending the visitors’ lead to 0–3.

Despite conceding a third goal, our team refused to give up. In the 36th minute, following a well-worked attacking combination, Khurshid Giyosov scored to reduce the deficit to 1–3.

As our players continued to push hard in search of an equaliser, the visitors struck again on the counterattack. This time, Diyor Turopov broke into our penalty area from the right flank and finished accurately to make it 1–4.

In the third minute of first-half stoppage time, our team reduced the deficit once more, with Abrorbek Ismoilov finding the back of the net to make it 2–4. The teams headed into the break with that scoreline.

At the start of the second half, the home side made a series of substitutions in an effort to strengthen their attacking play. Zoran Marushich, Alisher Odilov and Farrukh Sayfiyev were introduced.

The changes brought renewed energy to the game. Our players attacked more frequently and created numerous dangerous opportunities inside the opposition’s penalty area. However, the team lacked the necessary precision in the final third and struggled to break through the visitors’ defence.

Despite every effort to turn those opportunities into goals, our players were unable to find the net again. No goals were scored in the second half.

As a result, the capital-based side secured a 4–2 victory and booked their place in the next round of the competition.

UZBEKISTAN CUP — QUARTER-FINAL

NEFTCHI 2–4 LOKOMOTIV

Date and kick-off: 20 October, 19:00
Venue: Istiqlol Stadium, Fergana

Goals: Jasurbek Yakhshiboyev, 11' (penalty, 0–1); Bilol Tupliyev, 23' (0–2); Jasurbek Yakhshiboyev, 33' (0–3); Khurshid Giyosov, 36' (1–3); Diyorjon Turopov, 43' (1–4); Abrorbek Ismoilov, 45+3' (2–4).

Referee: Rustam Choriyev
Assistant referees: Shohrukh Maqsudov, Husan Khudoyberdiyev
Fourth official: Umidjon Rahinjonov
VAR: Doston Rahmonov
AVAR: Alisher Rahimqulov
Referee assessor: Vadim Agishev
Match commissioner: Jalolkhon Inoghomkhojayev

Neftchi: 1. Botirali Ergashev, 4. Boyan Tsiger, 5. Ikrom Aliboyev (8. Vladimir Jovović, 75'), 6. Ibrohim Khalil Yo‘ldoshev (34. Farrukh Sayfiyev, 46'), 7. Abrorbek Ismoilov (11. Asilbek Jumayev, 67'), 9. Khurshid Giyosov (22. Alisher Odilov, 46'), 10. Jamshid Iskanderov, 18. Stipe Perica (32. Zoran Marushich, 46'), 20. Anvarjon Gofurov, 52. Koffi Kouao, 77. Ratinho.

Substitutes: 45. Akbar To‘rayev, 2. Izzatillo Po‘latov, 21. Muxsinjon Ubaydullayev, 71. Bilolkhon Toshmirzayev.

Head coach: Islombek Ismoilov

Neftchi PFC Press Service