The Belarusian league is full of surprises, as every week it seems a new team is taking the spotlight.
Today it was Slutsk’s turn, as they went ahead into first place after a nice away win, and will now wait for the rest to see what will happen come Sunday. In another game, the two bottom sides finished in a draw and maintained the status-quo.
Belshina Bobryisk - Smolevichy STI
The early Friday match showcased the league’s two bottom sides, as the guests had a point advantage from the last place hosts. In the end, Smolevichy maintained the status-quo after earning a last gasp 1-1 draw.
Both goals were scored via penalties: In the 80th minute, Sergey Glebko converted a spot kick to put Belshina ahead, sparking the local crowd’s hopes for a debut win this campaign. However, in stoppage time Konstantin Kotov earned a controversial penalty for the visitors. Evgeny Barsukov then scored it to share the spoils.
Shakhtyor Soligorsk - Slutsk
In the late game, high flying Slutsk continued their great start to the season after beating the mid-table side from Soligorsk 2-1.
A 25th minute free kick was taken by Yuri Kozlov, who attempted to cross but the ball went past everyone and into the net. Seconds before the halftime break, 22 year-old Nigerian Umar Bala Moahmed made it 2-0 after a nice team move and some good composure in the box.
In the beginning of the second half, Shakhtyor couldn’t take advantage of a double lucky break: Slutsk were reduced to 10 men after Denis Obrazov received a second yellow card for handling in the box. The ensuing penalty was then missed by Austrian Darko Bodul, formerly of Ajax, who shot it straight into Boris Pankratov’s hands.
A late consolation from Yuri Kendysh did not change much, as Slutsk leap to first place and put pressure on Torpedo BelAZ ahead of their match on Sunday against BATE.