FK Kapaz Ganca came from behind to beat Safa Baku 2-1 in the Azerbaijan Premier League on Saturday evening, producing a disciplined second-half display to claim all three points on the road. Safa led at half-time, but Kapaz responded with two goals after the break to turn the match around and deepen the home side’s recent frustrations.

Match overview

The first half was evenly contested, with both sides enjoying spells of possession. Safa Baku looked dangerous on the counter and took the lead in the 34th minute when Elvin Mammadov cut inside from the left and curled a low shot into the far corner. Kapaz struggled to find rhythm before the break, often being forced into long passes that were comfortably defended.

Kapaz emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. They pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and equalised just after the hour mark when a cross from the right was met with a powerful header. The visitors continued to push forward and found the winner in the 84th minute through a well-worked move that ended with a composed finish from inside the area. Safa pushed for a late equaliser but were held at bay by a resilient Kapaz defence.

Key moments

• 34' — Elvin Mammadov gives Safa Baku the lead with a curling effort.
• 45+1' — Kapaz’s best chance of the first half is blocked on the line.
• 61' — Kapaz equalise with a towering header from a right-wing cross.
• 72' — Safa appeal for a penalty, but the referee waves play on.
• 84' — Rashad Aliyev scores the winning goal for Kapaz after a quick passing move.
• 90+4' — Kapaz clear a late corner to secure the away win.

Tactical story

Safa Baku lined up in a 4-2-3-1 and tried to use the width of their wingers to stretch Kapaz’s back four. In the first half, that approach worked well; Mammadov’s goal came from exactly that pattern. However, Safa sat deeper after taking the lead, inviting pressure and allowing Kapaz to gain a foothold in the match.

Kapaz’s 4-4-2 was initially too passive, but two half-time substitutions changed the game. The introduction of fresh legs in wide areas gave them more energy in the press, and they began to win the ball higher up the pitch. The equaliser came from a sustained spell of pressure, and the winner arrived when Safa’s tired defence failed to close down the passing lane into the box.

Standout players

Rashad Aliyev was Kapaz’s most influential attacker, providing the assist for the equaliser before scoring the winner. His direct running and willingness to take on defenders gave Safa problems throughout the second half. Kapaz’s goalkeeper also deserves credit for two important saves at 1-1, including a sharp stop from a close-range header.

For Safa, Elvin Mammadov was the standout performer, scoring a fine individual goal and remaining a threat on the break. However, he faded in the second half as Kapaz tightened their marking and forced him to drop deeper to receive the ball.

Table impact

The win lifts FK Kapaz Ganca up the Azerbaijan Premier League table and gives them valuable momentum in a tightly contested mid-table battle. For Safa Baku, the defeat is a missed opportunity to climb away from the chasing pack, and questions will be asked about their ability to protect a lead. The result also adds another chapter to a competitive head-to-head record, with Kapaz now able to celebrate a hard-fought away victory.