Gulistan Come from Behind to Beat Oktepa 2-1 in Uzbekistan Pro League B
Oktepa, Uzbekistan – June 4, 2026 – Gulistan staged a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Oktepa 2-1 at the Oktepa Stadium in the Uzbekistan D1B (Pro League B) on Thursday evening. The visitors overturned a one-goal deficit to claim all three points and strengthen their position in the mid-table battle.
Match Overview
The match kicked off under clear skies with a lively atmosphere. Oktepa started brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute through a well-worked team move. A quick pass from the midfield split the Gulistan defense, allowing Oktepa’s striker to slot the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper. The home side continued to press for a second but were denied by some last-ditch defending and the crossbar.
Gulistan, however, grew into the game as the first half progressed. They began to control possession and create chances of their own, though they went into the break trailing 1-0. The second half was a different story: Gulistan came out with renewed intensity and equalized just five minutes after the restart. A powerful header from a corner kick leveled the score.
Key Moments
- 22' – Oktepa goal: Quick combination play unlocks the Gulistan offside trap; home fans erupt.
- 50' – Gulistan equalizer: Unmarked center-back rises highest to head in a corner – 1-1.
- 78' – Gulistan winner: A swift counter-attack sees the away winger cut inside and fire a low shot into the far corner.
Tactical Story
Oktepa started with aggressive pressing, but after taking the lead they dropped deeper, inviting pressure. Gulistan coach made a tactical tweak at halftime, pushing full-backs higher and instructing wide players to take on defenders one-on-one. This created overloads and forced Oktepa to defend with numbers, eventually leading to the equalizer from a set piece. Once level, Gulistan seized control and punished a defensive lapse to score the winner.
Oktepa struggled to regain their rhythm after conceding the second goal. Their attacking substitutions failed to break down a well-organized Gulistan defense that held firm in the final minutes.
Standout Players
- Gulistan’s goalscoring defender – His equalizing header changed the momentum and set the stage for the comeback.
- Gulistan’s match-winning winger – Provided the decisive goal with a clinical finish and was a constant threat on the flank.
- Oktepa’s early goalscorer – Showed composure to finish the opener but was isolated after the break.
Season Impact
Gulistan’s victory moves them up into the top half of the Uzbekistan Pro League B standings, building valuable momentum. For Oktepa, the defeat is a blow after a promising start; they remain in the lower half and will need to address their defensive fragility. The three points could prove crucial as the season progresses toward its climax.