Uzbekistan Superleague kicks off: Andijan shine at home, Nasaf snatch late winner

The Uzbekistan Superleague officially kicked off on 27 February, delivering an exciting opening gameweek filled with dominant performances, emotional breakthroughs, and late drama. Several teams made strong early statements as the 2026 campaign got underway. 

Bukhara 1:0 Kokand-1912 

The season opened with Bukhara hosting Kokand-1912. A single goal from winter signing Sherzod Esanov proved decisive. Although Kokand enjoyed long spells of possession and dictated much of the tempo, they failed to convert their chances, allowing Bukhara to secure their first three points. 

Andijan 4:0 Sogdiana 

A newly reshaped Andijan side, led by former Uzbekistan national team head coach Samvel Babayan, made a stunning entrance. What many expected to be a tightly contested match turned into a dominant display at Bobur Arena. The Eagles were flawless, outclassing Sogdiana and making a powerful statement with a convincing 4:0 victory. 

Pakhtakor 2:0 Qizilqum

Reigning Uzbekistan Cup champions Pakhtakor entered the season with several high-profile new signings, including national team regulars. Despite a surprisingly resilient first-half performance from Qizilqum, the deadlock was broken in the 75th minute by Jasur Khamdamov. New Polish striker Piotr Parzyszek added a late second to secure a comfortable win for The Lions. 

Neftchi 3:0 Mash’al 

The defending Superleague champions Neftchi, now under head coach Islombek Ismoilov, kicked off their title defense in style. All three goals came from the club’s foreign contingent, with Stipe Perica marking his debut with a well-taken finish. Their convincing performance reinforced their status as one of the prime contenders once again. 

Lokomotiv 3:1 Surkhon 

Recently promoted Lokomotiv enjoyed a dream return to the top flight with a spirited win over Surkhon. The club’s young talents stole the spotlight, scoring all three goals. The most emotional moment of the match came when Mirzaev, back from his stint in Leganés, scored his first professional goal — overwhelmed with emotion as he celebrated in tears. 

Dinamo 1:2 Navbahor 

In one of the most highly anticipated fixtures of the week, Navbahor showed grit and character to come from behind. Rising star Firdavs Abdurakhmonov opened the scoring for Dinamo, but first-half goals from Ruslanbek Jiyanov and Zabihillo Urinboev flipped the match on its head and sealed an important away victory for Navbahor. 

OKMK 0:1 Bunyodkor 

In another marquee clash, OKMK and Bunyodkor battled evenly throughout the match. The breakthrough came in the second half when substitute Narimonjon Ahmadjonov unleashed a spectacular 30-meter strike to hand Bunyodkor a valuable win. 

Nasaf 1:0 Khorezm 

The final match of the gameweek featured a tight contest between two sides featuring several new faces. The deciding moment came late, when a deflected effort from Adenis Shala found the net, giving Nasaf all three points in a hard-fought encounter. 

A Tight Table After Matchday One 

With no draws recorded in the opening week, seven clubs sit level on points. Early goal differences are the only separators in what already looks like a competitive and unpredictable season.