A stunning clash unfolded at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium as Azerbaijan displayed remarkable resilience, managing to snatch a 1-1 draw against Ukraine in a gripping 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. This match marked Aykhan Abbasov’s debut as interim manager, and with barely a day passing since the controversial dismissal of Fernando Santos, the stakes were sky-high for both teams. Azerbaijan’s performance not only frustrated the Blue and Yellows but also significantly impacted their aspirations for a World Cup appearance, a dream they haven’t realized since 2006.
The tension was palpable from the opening whistle, and the drama began almost immediately. Just two minutes into the match, Azerbaijan appeared to concede a penalty when Bahlul Mustafazada was called for a foul in the box. However, after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, leaving the hosts with a sigh of relief. Despite this stroke of fortune, Ukraine dominated possession, holding over 70% in the first half hour, putting Azerbaijan on the back foot and increasing the pressure.
As the first half progressed, the intensity of the game escalated. Ukraine’s Ivan Kaliuzhnyi came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot that was expertly blocked, demonstrating Azerbaijan’s defensive frailty. However, the home side was not without its moments; a brilliant free kick from Emin Mahmudov was magnificently saved by Ukraine’s Anatoliy Trubin, who prevented what would have been Azerbaijan’s first goal in 15 matches, keeping the visitors in the game.
The second half started with a bang for Ukraine. Just five minutes after the restart, Oleksandr Zubkov made a decisive run down the right, delivering a perfect pass to Heorhiy Sudakov, who ruthlessly drove the ball past Shahrudin Mahammadaliyev, putting Ukraine ahead. This strike marked Sudakov’s fourth senior international goal, a notable achievement considering it had been nearly a year since his last.
With hopes of avoiding yet another humiliating defeat on home turf, Azerbaijan needed a spark. That moment came in the 75th minute when Oleksandr Zinchenko was penalized for a handball following a VAR review. Seizing the opportunity, Mahmudov stepped up to the spot, determined to rectify his earlier near-miss. In a moment of pure poise, he executed a cheeky chip into the right corner, leaving Trubin grasping at air and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
In a match that showcased determination and strategy, Azerbaijan’s draw not only halted their run of poor results but also left Ukraine grappling with the reality of their faltering campaign. The Blue and Yellows walked away with their ambitions dented, while Azerbaijan celebrated a hard-fought point that could be pivotal as they look to build momentum in the qualifiers ahead. The drama and unpredictability of football were on full display, reminding fans why they cherish this beautiful game.
