“We can describe ‘Sabah’ as our European competition representative that scores many goals in every match, and ‘Araz-Nakhchivan’ as the team making historic firsts. I believe both Azerbaijani clubs have chances to advance to the next round.”
Idman.biz reports that these words were said by Vagif Sadygov, chairman of AFFA’s Coaches Committee and veteran footballer, in an interview with Teleqraf ahead of today’s UEFA Conference League third qualifying round matches: “Araz-Nakhchivan” vs. “Omonia” (Cyprus) and “Levski” (Bulgaria) vs. “Sabah.”
The experienced expert expressed confidence that the Azerbaijani clubs can achieve positive results from the first leg: “It’s pleasing that both teams have advanced and made us happy. Their performance and style of play in previous matches are encouraging. I believe both the ‘red-whites’ and the ‘owls’ can outperform their opponents.”
Sadygov noted that the Masazir-based team will get a good result in the first game against the Bulgarian club: “As the rounds progress, the level of opponents increases. Valdas Dambrauskas’ team will face a strong Bulgarian side with a rich history, ‘Levski’. I think they will impress confidently against this opponent. Looking back, ‘Sabah’ entered the Conference League somewhat undeservedly after losing to Slovenia’s ‘Celje’. They will now put their full strength into continuing in the tournament. The ‘Sabah’ will fight until the very end against the Bulgarian team.”
The 66-year-old specialist also shared his expectations from Elmar Bakhshiyev’s team: “As a team qualifying for European competitions for the first time and advancing to the next round for the first time, they have pleasantly surprised us. I hope they will make an even bigger first by overcoming Cyprus’ ‘Omonia.’ No matter how tough it is, ‘Araz-Nakhchivan’ is capable of beating ‘Omonia.’ Let’s believe that the ‘red-whites’ will make history and make us proud.”
The “Araz-Nakhchivan” vs. “Omonia” match will take place at “Dalga Arena” at 22:00, while the “Levski” vs. “Sabah” game will be held in Sofia at the “Georgi Asparuhov” stadium at 22:00 as well.
Idman.biz
