A minute of silence was held prior to kick-off at the Istiqlol Stadium as part of a continent-wide tribute to the victims of the recent disaster in China PR and Nepal, and once play commenced it was the home side who took the initiative.

 

Neftchi’s Yan Sasse had an early sight of goal, the Brazilian striking left-footed from outside the area after Stipe Perica’s clever back-heel only see his attempt fly harmlessly past Mohammed Salih’s left post in the 12th minute.

Abror Ismailov looped an effort over the bar from close range moments later but was relieved to see the assistant referee raise his flag to spare his embarrassment while Ikromjon Alibaev was off target with his attempt midway through the half.

Perica’s 35th minute header missed the top right corner of the goal from Ismailov’s corner as the home side continued to push without finding a way through the Air Force defence.

Alisher Odilo shinned his effort over the Air Force goal five minutes into the second half when he raced in to meet Kouao’s cross from the right while Ratinho fired his first-time shot high over the bar moments later.

Kouao flashed a right-foot shot across the face of Salih’s goal as Neftchi’s strong start to the second continued without yielding a goal.

Salih threw himself to his right to keep out Ratinho’s long-range strike in the 61st minute and seconds later tipped Perica’s header from eight yards out high into the air as the visitors continued to frustrate the home side.

 

But, with seven minutes remaining of regulation time, Kouao clipped the ball back from the byline on the right towards Marusic, and the despairing Salih was unable to prevent the forward’s header from crossing the line despite his full-stretch dive.