FK Oleksandria Opens Preseason with Narrow Win Over Inhulets Petrove

FK Oleksandria began their summer preparations with a tense 2-1 victory over fellow Ukrainian Premier League side FC Inhulets Petrove in an International Club Friendly on July 8, 2026. The match, played behind closed doors at a training camp, served as an early indicator of both teams’ progress ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Oleksandria controlled possession from the outset, utilizing their technical midfield to break down Inhulets’ compact defensive block. The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute when striker Artem Bondarenko latched onto a through ball and fired low into the far corner. The goal was a product of Oleksandria’s patient build-up play and precise passing.

Inhulets Petrove grew into the game after the half-hour mark, exploiting space behind Oleksandria’s full-backs. Their equalizer came in the 38th minute via a set piece: a corner kick was met by the head of defender Vladyslav Shapoval, who powered the ball past the keeper. The score remained 1-1 at the break, with both sides making tactical adjustments.

The second half saw a more cautious approach from both teams, with coaches using the friendly to evaluate squad rotation. The winning goal came in the 67th minute when Oleksandria substitute Yevhen Pavlov collected a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a curling effort that nestled into the top corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance that decided the contest.

Match Analysis

• Possession battle: Oleksandria enjoyed nearly 60% of the ball, but Inhulets remained dangerous on the counter.
• Set-piece vulnerability: Oleksandria’s concession from a corner highlights a defensive area needing improvement.
• Depth tested: Both managers made six substitutions, giving fringe players valuable minutes in competitive conditions.

For FK Oleksandria, the victory provides a morale boost as they aim to build on last season’s mid-table finish. FC Inhulets Petrove, meanwhile, will look to tighten their defense before their next preseason fixture. The friendly served its purpose: intense action, tactical lessons, and a winning start for the home team.