Lokomotiv Tashkent B claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Namangan FA in the UZB D1B on Friday evening, with first-half goals from Sardor Mirzaev and Bekzod Tolipov proving enough to see off a determined second-half fightback. The win strengthens Lokomotiv’s reserve side’s position in the league table and continues their impressive run of form on home soil.

Match Overview

• Competition: UZB D1B (Uzbekistan Division 1B)
• Date: Friday, 18 September 2026
• Kick-off: 19:30 local time
• Venue: Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent
• Result: Lokomotiv Tashkent B 2, Namangan FA 1

Lokomotiv Tashkent B started brightly and dominated the opening 45 minutes with crisp passing and relentless energy. Namangan FA, who arrived with a reputation for physicality and direct play, struggled to cope with the speed of the hosts’ young attackers. The game appeared to be drifting away from the visitors at half-time, but a spirited second-half display set up a tense finish.

First Half: Lokomotiv’s Youngsters Shine

The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute. Sardor Mirzaev received the ball on the edge of the area, shifted it onto his left foot and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner. It was a confident finish from a player who has been one of Lokomotiv B’s most consistent performers this season.

Namangan FA tried to respond immediately, launching long balls towards their target man, but Lokomotiv’s back line held firm. The hosts doubled their lead in the 39th minute when Bekzod Tolipov converted a penalty after a foul on the lively Jasur Rakhimov. Tolipov’s composed finish sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and gave Lokomotiv a commanding 2-0 cushion at the interval.

Second Half: Namangan Fight Back

Namangan FA emerged from the break with renewed urgency. They pressed higher, won more second balls and began to test the Lokomotiv defence with crosses into the box. Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Azizbek Haydarov pounced on a loose ball and fired home from close range to halve the deficit.

The goal sparked a nervy final 15 minutes. Namangan pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but Lokomotiv Tashkent B defended with maturity beyond their years. Goalkeeper Jasur Rakhimov made two important saves, and the defence threw bodies in front of shots to preserve the win. A late yellow card for Namangan’s captain summed up their frustration as the hosts held on for all three points.

Key Moments

• 17' — Goal: Sardor Mirzaev (Lokomotiv Tashkent B) — 1-0
• 39' — Goal: Bekzod Tolipov (Lokomotiv Tashkent B, penalty) — 2-0
• 58' — Yellow card: Namangan FA midfielder
• 74' — Goal: Azizbek Haydarov (Namangan FA) — 2-1
• 82' — Save: Jasur Rakhimov denies Namangan FA’s equaliser
• 90+3' — Yellow card: Namangan FA captain

Tactical Story: Youth and Energy Against Experience

Lokomotiv Tashkent B fielded a youthful starting XI packed with academy graduates, and their energy was evident from the first minute. They pressed in coordinated bursts, moved the ball quickly through midfield and attacked the spaces behind Namangan’s full-backs. The 4-3-3 shape allowed their wingers to isolate defenders one-on-one, creating numerous chances.

Namangan FA, by contrast, lined up in a 4-4-2 and initially struggled to match Lokomotiv’s tempo. Their direct approach was predictable in the first half, but a tactical shift after the break—pushing one central midfielder higher and targeting the flanks—gave them a foothold. In the end, however, Lokomotiv’s early cushion and defensive resilience proved decisive.

Standout Players

Sardor Mirzaev (Lokomotiv Tashkent B): Opened the scoring with a fine individual goal and was a constant threat with his dribbling and link-up play.

Bekzod Tolipov (Lokomotiv Tashkent B): Coolly converted the penalty and controlled the midfield tempo, showing maturity beyond his years.

Jasur Rakhimov (Lokomotiv Tashkent B): Not just the goalkeeper—he was also involved in the build-up to the penalty and made two crucial saves in the final ten minutes.

Azizbek Haydarov (Namangan FA): Gave his team hope with a well-taken goal and was their most dangerous player in the second half.

UZB D1B Standings and Season Impact

The victory moves Lokomotiv Tashkent B up to 31 points from 19 matches, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish in the UZB D1B. For a reserve side focused on player development, the result is another sign that the academy pipeline is producing c