Lokomotiv Tashkent claims 2-0 win over Sepahan in AFC Champions League
Uzbekistani football club PFC Lokomotiv Tashkent has chalked up a three-point win at the group stage of the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League, sinking Iran’s Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan Esfahan Football Club, commonly known as Sepahan.
On Tuesday evening, the visitors left a bitter taste in the hosts’ mouth with a two-goal victory following a Group A fixture played at Foolad Shahr Stadium just outside Esfahan, central Iran.
Lokomotiv Tashkent soccer players got off to a decent start, and midfielder Sanjar Shaakhmedov drilled a pass forward into the penalty area for teammate Marat Bikmaev.
Bikmaev subsequently scored the opener with a cool finish in the 14th minute.
Sepahan players pushed forward in search of an equalizer as heavy rain drenched the pitch, and seized a fine opportunity 10 minutes before the end of the half-time.
However, Lokomotiv Tashkent goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov killed off the hosts’ scoring hopes and turned a rasping drive from compatriot midfielder Fozil Musaev from outside of the penalty area away for a corner.
The visitors finally sealed their win in the 87th minute, when substitute midfielder Server Djeparov played a pass through to Sardor Mirzayev and the 24-year-old sent the ball over exposed Sepahan goalkeeper Rahman Ahmadi to make it 2-0.
“It was a very hard game for both teams especially playing in such a condition. We came here to win and we are happy to have taken all three points despite the severe weather,” Lokomotiv Tashkent coach Andrey Miklyaev said after the match.
He added, “Today, we were strong and I'd like to thank the efforts made by all players. We didn't show our normal performance due to the harsh weather, but a good team must be ready to fight in any condition.”
“It was such a difficult match. We conceded the first goal and with such a strong wind we failed to draw the game level. With the rainwater on the pitch, it was difficult to move the ball,” Sepahan coach Igor Stimac said.
“We did lose the match and I congratulate Lokomotiv for the win. However, I am convinced that we were the better side. They put out a defensive performance and weather helped them to defend as much as possible,” the 48-year-old Croat said.
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