Neftchi Fergana secured a vital 2-1 home victory over Termez Surkhon in the Uzbekistan Super League on 9 September 2026, with a late winner ensuring all three points stayed at the Fergana Stadium. The result gives Neftchi a crucial boost in their pursuit of a top-four berth, while Surkhon were left to rue a spirited second-half fightback that ultimately came up short.

Match Overview

Playing in front of their passionate home support, Neftchi Fergana knew that dropping points would be costly in a tightly contested Super League table. Termez Surkhon, meanwhile, arrived in the Fergana Valley hoping to spring a surprise and build on their improved away form. From the opening whistle, Neftchi dominated possession and looked to move the ball quickly through midfield, while Surkhon sat in a compact defensive shape and threatened on the break.

The early pressure told just before the half-hour mark when Neftchi opened the scoring through a well-worked move down the right channel. The goal lifted the home side, but Surkhon refused to fold and grew into the contest as the first half drew to a close.

Key Moments

• 27' – Goal (Neftchi Fergana): Azizbek Turgunboev prodded home from close range after a flicked header from a corner created chaos in the Surkhon penalty area.
• 58' – Goal (Termez Surkhon): Javohir Sokhibov equalised with a stunning free-kick from 25 yards that curled over the Neftchi wall and into the top corner.
• 81' – Goal (Neftchi Fergana): Substitute Sardor Alimukhamedov reacted quickest to a deflected shot inside the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to restore the lead.

The decisive goal came with under ten minutes remaining, and it was no more than the home side deserved for their sustained territorial dominance. The final whistle was met with relief and celebration around the Fergana Stadium.

Tactical Story

Neftchi Fergana controlled the midfield duel through a disciplined double pivot, allowing their full-backs to push high and create numerical overloads on the flanks. Surkhon defended deep and looked to release their pacey wingers on the counter, but they struggled to maintain possession in dangerous areas. The equaliser from a set-piece gave them something to cling to, but Neftchi's patience in the final third eventually told.

The introduction of Alimukhamedov added fresh energy to the Neftchi attack, and his late winner was a product of persistent pressure and a willingness to gamble inside the box. Defensively, Neftchi had to withstand a few nervy moments after conceding, but they limited Sulkhon to long-range efforts and half-chances for most of the evening.

Standout Players

• Azizbek Turgunboev (Neftchi Fergana): Opened the scoring with a poacher's finish and led the line tirelessly, dragging defenders out of position.
• Sardor Alimukhamedov (Neftchi Fergana): Came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal with a powerful strike.
• Javohir Sokhibov (Termez Surkhon): His free-kick provided the highlight of the night for the visitors and briefly threatened an upset.

Table Impact and What's Next

With this win, Neftchi Fergana move into stronger contention among the Super League's top sides, building momentum heading into the later rounds of the season. For Termez Surkhon, the narrow defeat extends a challenging run and leaves them looking over their shoulders near the lower half of the table. Neftchi will take great confidence from this victory as they continue to chase their targets, while Surkhon will need to convert promising performances into points if they are to climb away from danger.