Since “Qarabag” began making its mark in European competitions, the club has generally had little trouble getting past the second qualifying rounds. That’s why hopes are high once again for the Azerbaijani champions. Only in 2023 did the team face real difficulties, losing to Poland’s Rakow over two legs – 1:1 and 2:3. But this time, their opponent Shelbourne is not considered among the stronger teams.
The Irish club has no noteworthy achievements in European competitions. The only significant moment came way back in 2004 when they eliminated Hajduk Split in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round (2:0, 2:3) and progressed to the third round.
Moreover, “Qarabag” has already had a successful experience facing an Irish side. In the second qualifying round of the 2019 UEFA Champions League, the Azerbaijani team easily overcame Dundalk – 3:0 and 1:1. However, UEFA's updated country rankings after last season place Azerbaijan 30th and Ireland 31st, suggesting that the leagues are roughly on the same level.
Shelbourne won the Irish league title last season after an 18-year gap but has underperformed this year. After 25 rounds, they sit fifth in the standings, 14 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. Notably, though, they are unbeaten in July so far: 3 wins in 4 matches across all competitions.
Shelbourne’s current squad consists mostly of Irish players – though none at the national team level. The last time an Ireland international was called up from Shelbourne was back in 2006. The national team generally prefers players from the English leagues.
Of the new additions to Qarabag’s squad this summer, only center-back Samy Mmaee has experience playing for a national team. Though born to a Moroccan mother and having chosen to represent Morocco, he has only played 10 matches for the national team since 2020, indicating that stronger players occupy his position.
Still, Mmaee is known for his resilience in defense, physical strength, and eagerness to join attacks. Over five seasons with his previous two clubs, he managed to score 7 goals – an impressive stat for a defender.
Apparently, his performances against Qarabag while playing for Ferencvaros (he was subbed off due to injury in the 57th minute) and especially for Dinamo Zagreb (he played both matches in full and received a yellow card in Baku) left a strong impression on head coach Gurban Gurbanov. So much so that Qarabag, rarely relying on loan deals, agreed to bring him in temporarily. The last similar case was in 2022 when goalkeeper Luka Gugeshashvili joined the team on loan.
Another summer signing, Brazilian defensive midfielder Pedro Bicalho, comes from Palmeiras. However, he neither participated in the Club World Cup nor contributed significantly to the team’s recent successes. He spent most of his time out on loan, most recently playing for Alverca in Portugal’s lower divisions.
That said, Qarabag’s history of successful transfers from the Portuguese league – even from lower tiers – is worth noting. Players like Kevin Medina, Kady Borges, Julio Romao, and Juninho have proven this approach fruitful.
Keeping this in mind, Qarabag continues to scout the Portuguese market.
Right-back Dani Bolt, nicknamed after Usain Bolt for his speed, and Ivorian central midfielder Chris Kouakou have both arrived from Portugal’s lower leagues.
Since the new additions mostly cover defense and midfield, Qarabag’s attack will once again rely on Emmanuel Addai, Musa Gurbanlı, and Nariman Akhundzada. Midfielders like Leandro Andrade, Kady Borges, and Abdellah Zoubir, who also have an eye for goal, can contribute up front as well.
Among the departing players, only Yassine Benzia can be considered a significant loss.
As for friendly matches against foreign clubs, Qarabag lost their first test in Austria 4:5 to Metalist 1925 (Ukraine). Then came two matches against Twente (Netherlands) – a 3:2 win and a 1:2 loss. Finally, they also suffered defeat against Salzburg (Austria) – 1:2.
The number of defeats in friendlies and high goal tallies in some matches have drawn attention. Still, based on head coach Gurban Gurbanov’s immense experience, perhaps we can take heart from his words after the Twente games: “Our performance in both matches gives hope for the future.”
Tonight’s Shelbourne – Qarabag clash will be held at Tolka Park in Dublin, Ireland. The match will kick off at 22:45 Baku time and will be officiated by Croatian referee Ante Čulina.
Rasim Movsumzadeh
Idman.biz
