Neftchi loses to Al-Ittihad 1:2 in AFC Champions League Elite League

The game was held at the Istiqlol stadium in Fergana. The hosts opened the score on the 17th minute: Jamshid Iskandarov did not miss a penalty. On the 27th minute, Alisher Odilov again sent the ball into the net, but the goal was cancelled. As UzDaily clarifies, a penalty was awarded after a VAR review for a hand game by Jorge Ilenikhena, and Odilov's goal was not counted due to an offside position.

On the 34th minute, Husem Auar finished Steven Bergwijn's pass and equalized the score, outplaying goalkeeper Botirali Ergashev. After the break, Neftchi could have led again: on the 58th minute, after a shot by Michel Augusto, the ball hit the goal frame.

The guests' victory was brought by Youssef En-Nesyri, who came on the field on the 63rd minute instead of Ilenikhena. In the end of the match, the Moroccan striker scored from a free kick: according to Uznews, on the 90+1 minute, according to UzDaily - on the 90th. This victory became the first for Al-Ittihad in the current tournament draw.

The Fergana club lost its second match in a row: in the previous round, it lost to Saudi Arabia's Al-Nasr, and earlier it beat the Iraqi Air Force SC. After three rounds, Neftchi has three points, Al-Ittihad has four.