The 119th Plovdiv derby ended with a result 2:2. The match between Botev and Lokomotiv was played in front of over 14,000 spectators at the Hristo Botev stadium. Nikola Iliev and Ehije Ukaki scored for the hosts, and the guests equalized twice through Michy Ntelo and Julien Lamy.
The match started better for the “canaries” and in 17′ Nikola Iliev scored, demonstrating brilliant individual technique in the opponent’s penalty area. The winger beat three Lokomotiv defenders and the goalkeeper to give the “yellow-blacks” the lead.
At the start of the second half, Ntelo had a chance to score, but Antoine Conte blocked a shot from the “black and white” striker. In 57′, the Belgian still managed to score a goal, with which the result was equalized.
Substitute Ehije Ukaki raced into the Lokomotiv penalty area shortly after, but his pass was cleared before reaching Anthony Ujah.
Botev’s attacks continued, and a combination between Ivelin Popov, Konstantinos Balogiannis and Ukaki in the 72nd minute ended with the 19-year-old Nigerian’s debut goal for the Canaries.
Botev continued to be the more active team on the field, but Martin Sekulic, who appeared from the bench, failed to increase the home team’s lead after a good pass from Popov. A little later, the captain of the “yellow-black” also had the opportunity to score, but his attempt was blocked by Martin Lukov.
In the second minute of added time, Lokomotiv managed to draw the tie. Martin Haydarov’s shot from a distance made it difficult for Hans Christian Bernat, and Julien Lamy made it 2:2 in extra time.
Botev’s next game is the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round (second leg) against Panathinaikos F.C. at 21:00 EET this Thursday (August 1). Tickets for the match at the Hristo Botev Stadium can be purchased HERE.
The Canaries’ opponent in the third round of the championship is Krumovgrad, and the match will be played at the Nikola Shterev-Starika Football Complex on Sunday (August 4) at 9:15 p.m.
Botev’s starting line-up: 1. Hans Christian Bernat; 17. Nikolai Minkov, 5. Joonas Tamm, 19. Antoine Conte, 38. Konstantinos Balogiannis; 15. James Eto’o, 20. Antonio Perera; 21. Nikola Iliev, 10. Ivelin Popov (C), 7. Samuel Akere; 11. Anthony Ujah
