

FK MOIK Baku secured a valuable 2-0 away win against Qarabag Khankendi in the Azerbaijan First Division on 18 September 2026, using two second-half goals to break down a stubborn home side.
At the Khankendi Stadium, Qarabag Khankendi made life difficult for the visitors in the first half, pressing energetically and creating a few promising moments. But MOIK Baku stayed patient, tightened their grip after the break, and scored twice in the final half-hour to take all three points.
Match Overview
The first half was a tight affair, with both teams cautious about overcommitting. Qarabag Khankendi tried to use the width of the pitch, while MOIK Baku looked to press and force errors in midfield. Chances were limited, but MOIK’s goalkeeper Ramin Nasirli was alert when called upon.
The second half was a different story. MOIK Baku raised their tempo, won more second balls, and began to pin Qarabag back. The opening goal arrived from a set-piece, and the second came on the counter as the home side pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Qarabag kept fighting, but MOIK’s defence held firm for a clean sheet.
Key Moments
- 58th minute: FK MOIK Baku took the lead through Elvin Mammadov, who curled a free-kick into the top corner.
- 66th minute: Qarabag Khankendi nearly equalised with a header that clipped the top of the crossbar.
- 79th minute: Tural Bayramov doubled the lead on the counter, finishing low after a quick break.
- 87th minute: Ramin Nasirli made a strong save to deny Qarabag a late consolation goal.
- 90+3: MOIK defended a final corner comfortably to secure the win.
Tactical Story
Qarabag Khankendi started with a high press, trying to disrupt MOIK Baku’s build-up play. It worked in the first half, but MOIK adjusted after the interval by playing more direct passes into the channels. That change forced Qarabag’s defence to turn and defend running towards their own goal, which created space for the opening goal.
Once MOIK led, they dropped into a compact 4-4-2 and invited Qarabag forward. The home side struggled to break through the middle, resorting to crosses that MOIK’s centre-backs handled well. The second goal was a textbook counter-attack: a turnover in midfield, a quick pass forward, and a composed finish from Tural Bayramov.
Standout Players
Elvin Mammadov was MOIK Baku’s standout player, scoring the crucial opening goal and controlling the tempo in midfield. Tural Bayramov’s pace caused problems all evening, and his goal capped a strong individual performance. Goalkeeper Ramin Nasirli also deserves praise for a clean sheet and a late save that protected the result.
For Qarabag Khankendi, the midfield worked hard and the defence battled throughout, but the team lacked a cutting edge in the final third. Their best chances came from set-pieces, and they will need to find more creativity from open play in upcoming matches.
Azerbaijan First Division Table Impact
The victory moves FK MOIK Baku into a stronger position in the Azerbaijan First Division standings and keeps them in the hunt for promotion. Away wins are especially valuable in a league where home advantage can be significant. Qarabag Khankendi remain in a difficult patch and will need to start turning promising spells into goals.
MOIK Baku will take confidence from a disciplined away performance, while Qarabag Khankendi must regroup quickly. With the season still developing, both sides will know that results like this one can shape the mood and momentum of the entire campaign.