Navbahor Namangan Beat FK Gazalkent 3-1 to Advance in Uzbekistan Cup

Navbahor Namangan secured a deserved 3-1 victory over FK Gazalkent in the Uzbekistan Cup on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, with a patient second-half display turning a tense cup tie into a comfortable win. The hosts scored three times after an early opener and a brief Gazalkent equaliser, booking their place in the next round and extending their strong cup form.

Match Overview

Navbahor Namangan controlled possession from the opening whistle at the Namangan Central Stadium, pushing their full-backs high and looking to create overloads on the flanks. The early pressure paid off when a low cross from the right was converted at the back post, giving the hosts a 12th-minute lead. FK Gazalkent responded well, though, and began to find space behind Navbahor’s advanced full-backs.

The visitors equalised in the 38th minute with a classic counterattacking goal, breaking quickly through midfield before finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. That goal changed the mood of the tie and gave FK Gazalkent something to protect heading into half-time. Navbahor, however, restored their authority after the restart and scored twice in the second half to pull clear.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Navbahor take the lead as a low cross from the right is turned in at the back post.
• 38th minute: FK Gazalkent equalise with a swift counterattack and a composed finish inside the box.
• 57th minute: Navbahor retake the lead when a corner is headed home at the near post.
• 79th minute: A high press forces a turnover and Navbahor add a third with a first-time finish.
• 88th minute: FK Gazalkent’s best late chance is kept out by a strong save from the Navbahor goalkeeper.

Tactical Story

Navbahor Namangan set up in a 4-3-3 formation and used their midfield triangle to dominate the ball, shifting play from side to side in search of gaps. Their high pressing forced FK Gazalkent into several rushed clearances, and the second-half goals came from exactly that kind of sustained pressure. The hosts also looked dangerous from set pieces, with the second goal arriving from a well-worked corner routine.

FK Gazalkent, meanwhile, defended in a deep 5-4-1 block and tried to spring forward on the break. That plan worked for long spells in the first half and produced the equaliser, but the visitors could not maintain the same intensity after the interval. As Navbahor increased the tempo, space opened up in wide areas, and the third goal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback.

Standout Players

Navbahor’s right-sided attacker was a constant threat, delivering the cross for the opener and stretching the defence throughout the second half. The central midfielder who dictated the tempo also deserved credit for keeping the hosts calm after the equaliser, while the centre-back who scored the second goal produced a commanding defensive display. For FK Gazalkent, the goalkeeper made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable, and the forward who scored the equaliser was their most dangerous outlet on the counter.

What It Means

The Uzbekistan Cup win sends Navbahor Namangan into the next round with confidence and gives the coaching staff room to rotate in upcoming domestic fixtures. FK Gazalkent exit the competition with credit for a battling first-half performance, but the gap in quality told over the full 90 minutes. For Navbahor, the result is another step in a cup run that could become an important part of their season.