Navoiy FA 2-2 Xorazm FA: Late Drama in UZB D1B Four-Goal Draw

Navoiy FA and Xorazm FA played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the UZB D1B on 26 September 2026, with a late equaliser from the visitors denying Navoiy FA all three points at the Navoiy Central Stadium. The match was a classic example of how unforgiving the Uzbek second tier can be, as both sides traded momentum, goals and tactical adjustments across a compelling 90 minutes.

With the season entering a crucial phase, the point keeps Navoiy FA in the mid-table conversation while Xorazm FA continue to show the kind of away resilience that could prove valuable in the race for promotion or a higher playoff position. The draw also extended a recent trend of tight, high-scoring meetings between the two clubs, adding another chapter to a growing head-to-head rivalry.

Match Overview

Navoiy FA began the game with intent, pressing high and looking to use the width of their home pitch. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 18th minute when Azizbek Tursunov latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired a low shot past the Xorazm goalkeeper. The home crowd sensed an opportunity for a comfortable evening, but Xorazm FA had other ideas.

The visitors gradually settled into the match, using a compact 4-4-2 shape to deny Navoiy space in central areas. Their persistence paid off in the 41st minute when Sardor Rakhimov converted a well-worked move down the right, finishing calmly at the near post. The equaliser changed the mood of the contest, and the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

Navoiy FA regained the lead in the 63rd minute through Jamshid Ergashev, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner. It looked as though the hosts would hold on, but Xorazm FA continued to push forward. Their reward came in the 88th minute when Bekzod Yo‘ldoshev rose highest from a corner and powered a header into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters.

Key Moments

• 18th minute: Azizbek Tursunov opens the scoring for Navoiy FA with a composed finish.
• 41st minute: Sardor Rakhimov equalises for Xorazm FA after a quick attacking transition.
• 63rd minute: Jamshid Ergashev restores Navoiy FA’s lead from close range.
• 88th minute: Bekzod Yo‘ldoshev heads in a late corner to rescue a point for Xorazm FA.

Tactical Story

Navoiy FA set up in a flexible 4-2-3-1, looking to overload the flanks and deliver early crosses. In the first half, that approach worked well, with Tursunov and Ergashev finding pockets of space between the Xorazm midfield and defence. However, as the game wore on, Navoiy struggled to manage transitions, and their defensive line dropped deeper, inviting pressure.

Xorazm FA’s 4-4-2 was initially conservative, but their two central midfielders began to win more second balls after the half-hour mark. Their wide players stretched the Navoiy back four, and the introduction of fresh legs in the second half gave them renewed energy. The late goal was no accident: Xorazm had been building set-piece pressure for several minutes, and Yo‘ldoshev’s header was the culmination of that sustained threat.

Standout Players

Azizbek Tursunov was Navoiy FA’s most dangerous attacker, combining sharp movement with clean finishing. Jamshid Ergashev also impressed with his link-up play and ability to arrive in the box at the right moment. In defence, Navoiy’s captain, Rustam Qodirov, made several important interceptions, though he will be disappointed with how the late corner was defended.

For Xorazm FA, Sardor Rakhimov was a constant outlet on the counter, while Bekzod Yo‘ldoshev delivered the decisive moment with his towering header. Goalkeeper Farrukh Abdullayev also made two crucial saves in the second half to keep his side within touching distance before the equaliser arrived.

Season Impact and Standings Context

The draw leaves Navoiy FA with a mixed feeling: a point at home is rarely a disaster, but dropping two points so late will sting. In the UZB D1B standings, the result keeps them in the chasing pack, where every point matters in the battle for promotion and playoff places. Xorazm FA, meanwhile, will view the away draw as a positive result, especially given the manner in which they fought back.

Both clubs now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures. Navoiy FA will need to improve their game management if they are to turn draws into wins, while Xorazm FA will look to carry their late-game resilience into upcoming matches. On this evidence, the return fixture later in the season should be another compelling contest.