Gameweek 5 Review: Neftchi March On, Mash’al Still Searching for a First Point

Gameweek 5 of the Uzbekistan Superleague is now complete, delivering a mix of expected outcomes and surprising twists. While Neftchi continued their perfect start to the season, Mash’al’s struggles deepened as they remain without a single point.

Sogdiana 2:2 Kokand-1912

Despite an ideal start to the first half, Ulugbek Baqoev’s return to Sogdiana can hardly be called successful when considering the overall performance and statistics. Although the hosts went into the break with a two-goal advantage, Kokand-1912 largely controlled the game. The visitors earned what was arguably a deserved point, while Sogdiana can count themselves fortunate to escape defeat. On another day, this could easily have been a dominant win for the Valley side.

Bunyodkor 2:0 Lokomotiv

The Tashkent derby lived up to expectations, with intense battles across the pitch. Bunyodkor were more clinical in front of goal, capitalising on two set-pieces. Goals from Bobur Yuldoshev and Marco Bugarin secured a deserved victory for The Swallows.

Khorezm 2:1 Dinamo

Dinamo’s slow start to the season continued as last year’s fourth-placed side suffered another defeat, largely due to costly individual errors. In contrast, Khorezm claimed a much-needed three points, helping them climb the league table and restore confidence.

Navbahor 2:1 Mash’al

Mash’al’s troubles show no sign of easing, as they failed to register their first point for the fifth consecutive matchweek of the 2026 Super League season. Navbahor secured victory thanks to an outstanding display from the Young Player of the Gameweek, Muhammadali Usmonov, who scored once and provided an assist.

Nasaf 1:0 Andijon

One of the most intriguing fixtures of the week saw Nasaf edge past Andijon in a tightly contested encounter. Murodbek Rahmatov’s decisive goal was enough to secure three vital points for The Dragons, lifting Ruzikul Berdiev’s side into fourth place. Meanwhile, Andijon dropped to 10th with six points.

Pakhtakor 3:1 OKMK

Pakhtakor continued their pursuit of the league leaders with a comfortable home victory against a struggling OKMK side. The Lions dominated the first half and scored twice. OKMK reduced the deficit early in the second half through Azizbek Kholmurodov, but Muhammadqodir Hamraliev’s goal soon restored Pakhtakor’s control and sealed the win.

Qizilqum 0:4 Neftchi

Neftchi remain unstoppable, producing yet another flawless performance. A brace from Zoran Marušić, alongside goals from Alisher Odilov and Ikrom Aliboev, secured a convincing away victory and underlined their phenomenal start to the season.

Surkhon 3:1 Bukhara

The biggest surprise of the gameweek came in Termiz, where Surkhon delivered a confident performance to defeat Bukhara. The standout moment was a brace from Stephen Chinedu, who inspired The Flying Horses to an emphatic win.

After five matchweeks, Neftchi sit comfortably at the top of the table with a perfect 15 points, while the chasing pack trails by at least three points. At the other end, Sogdiana and Mash’al remain winless, with Mash’al still searching for their first point of the campaign.