REVENGE FOR THE CUP

Azerbaijani football fans have just seen the latest clash between Baku and Lankaran. This time Neftci and Xazar-Lankaran clashed in a match for the country's Super Cup which, incidentally, has not been played for since 1995.

Neftci, which has remained unchanged for the last three seasons, and which last year also did the golden double having won the cup, were keen to maintain their reputation as league leader and to win the Super Cup. For their part, Xazar-Lankaran were dying to make their fans happy.

The match, which was held in Naxcivan, will be remembered not so much for the football as the mistakes by the officials and the unsporting behaviour of the players. In the first half both sides showed a cautious approach and the real battle took place in midfield. Despite the efforts of Rasad Sadigov, Flavinio and Araz Abdullayev, Neftci could not find a way through to their opponents' goal. The most interesting thing about the first half was a clash between Denis Silva and the young Agabala Ramazanov in the Neftci penalty area. The referee Rahim Hasanov awarded a penalty for a foul by Ramazanov, but then changed his decision after consulting with an assistant. The referee was basically right because it was not a clear penalty. But in any case changing a decision does not do the referee credit and in this kind of dispute it would have been better to consult with the linesman first.

However, the disallowed penalty did not disturb Xazar-Lankaran, and following a pass by Ramazanov, Mbilla [Etame] shot home. After the break Neftci lost their way and their spirit. But then fortune shone on the "black-and-whites" when Xazar went a man short. After Tounkara fouled Ramos, he was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

Eventually Neftci, thanks to a precise shot by Cardoso, managed to equalize. And just when everyone was expecting extra time the southerners were awarded a free kick which was taken by Scarlatache and headed home by Ramaldanov. That was enough and the Super Cup was on its way to Lankaran.

Basically, it was a fair result. Neftci, led by Tarlan Ahmadov, could not get going. Although they worked well down the flanks, the "black-and-whites" were not sharp enough. But John Toshack, who had studied his opponents correctly, was able to lead the southerners to victory.

Incidentally, Neftci's defeat in Naxcivan cost Tarlan Ahmadov and all his coaching staff their jobs. Neftci will now be led by one of Azerbaijan's most celebrated players, Nazim Suleymanov. Having played successfully abroad, Suleymanov has until recently been assistant to the Azerbaijani national team's chief coach, Bertie Vogts. 

Meanwhile, Xazar, after winning the Super Cup, will be focusing their attention on the championship. Incidentally, the Super Cup was Toshack's first trophy in Azerbaijan. This success ought to motivate the southerners who are in an unaccustomed sixth place in the table. Fans can expect another clash soon between the "oilmen" and the southerners when they meet in the championship.