OMM Newsroom
Zira advanced to the next round of the Azerbaijan Cup after beating Sabail in a penalty shootout in the second qualifying round. The match ended 2-2 after regulation time and extra time, with Zira winning the shootout 3-2.
After the match, head coach Rashad Sadigov said his team had failed to convert numerous scoring chances, while the opposition scored in the closing minutes. He said he was pleased that his players had fought until the end and advanced.
Packed schedule and injuries
Sadigov noted that Zira would face Araz-Nakhchivan in three days and asked the Professional Football League to take into account when drawing up the schedule that cup matches can last up to 120 minutes. He said the team had played its cup match three days after facing Sumgait and five days after an away game against Kapaz.
According to the coach, David Volkov broke his nose, while Ismayil suffered a fracture to a bone around his eye socket. Examinations after the match against Kapaz showed that Ismayil and Papunashvili would be unable to play for a month, or even a month and a half. Volkov was also injured. Sadigov said the team’s rotation options were limited and that Eren, despite returning from injury, remained on the pitch for 120 minutes.
The head coach said the club planned to sign at least one player during the winter transfer window, but no additional signings were currently expected. He also said the players had been left to choose who would take the penalties, adding that Gismet and Rua took spot-kicks.
