Reigning Uzbek champions Neftchi Fergana began their AFC Champions League Elite 2026/2027 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Iraq's Air Force Club in their opening group match at home.

The match, held in Fergana, was dominated by the hosts, who created several chances but failed to break the deadlock in the first half.

Neftchi continued to press after the break and finally found the net in the 83rd minute when striker Zoran Marušić headed home the only goal of the game.

Uzbekistan's other representative in the tournament, Pakhtakor Tashkent, will play their first match on September 14 away to Saudi Arabia's Al-Ahli. The kick-off is scheduled for 23:15 Tashkent time.

Source: podrobno.uz