Vincent Aboubakar’s brace gives Neftçi Baku a point away from home

Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar came on at halftime to help Neftçi Baku earn a point in Staurday’s 2-2 draw at Şamaxı FK in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

 

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On a foggy afternoon, the former Indomitable Lion showed that he is still more than capable of making an impact. After a barren first half, the veteran forward was brought on at the half and inspired his team even if they squandered an opportunity to claim all three points.

A 60th minute counter-attack resulted in Aboubakar’s first goal when Emil Safarov found room on the right wing and his low cross set up the 34-year-old for an easy finish.

Heavy fog began to impact the match, leading to a back-and-forth affair that ended with teams sharing the points. Brazilian defender Cezar leveled the match for the hosts in the 75th minute.

A long period of stoppage time ensued after ninety minutes and it appeared that the visitors would emerge victorious when Aboubakar headed in from a corner kick. However, a late penalty kick restored parity in the eight minute of time added on.

 

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Neftçi have yet to lose in 2026, unbeaten in their last seven league matches. However, they remain in the middle of the table in 6th place. Aboubakar has been mostly limited to a substitute role with sporadic contributions this campaign, managing eight goals in all competitions from fourteen matches.

Neftci Secure Dramatic 2-2 Draw After Aboubakar’s Heroic Brace

Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar made a decisive impact off the bench as Neftci earned a hard-fought 2-2 draw away to Şamaxı FK in Saturday’s Azerbaijan Premier League clash.

Introduced at halftime, the experienced forward transformed the match on a foggy afternoon, reminding supporters why he remains one of the most influential players in the squad. Although the visitors ultimately had to settle for a point, Aboubakar’s brace nearly delivered all three.

Foggy Conditions and Slow First Half

The encounter began in difficult weather conditions, with heavy fog affecting visibility inside the stadium. Both sides struggled to find rhythm during a cagey first half that lacked clear-cut opportunities.

Şamaxı attempted to press early, while the visitors relied on patient build-up play. However, neither team was able to break the deadlock before the interval. Recognizing the need for attacking spark, the coaching staff turned to Aboubakar at the start of the second half — a move that quickly paid dividends.

Aboubakar Breaks the Deadlock

Just fifteen minutes after the restart, Neftci capitalized on a swift counter-attack. Emil Safarov found space down the right wing and delivered a low, accurate cross into the penalty area. Aboubakar timed his run perfectly and slotted home from close range in the 60th minute.

The goal shifted momentum in favor of the visitors, who began to look more threatening going forward. Aboubakar’s movement and physical presence unsettled the home defense, creating additional space for teammates in advanced areas.

Momentum Swings Late in the Match

Despite taking the lead, the advantage did not last long. Brazilian defender Cezar equalized for Şamaxı in the 75th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to bring the home crowd back into the contest.

As the fog thickened, the match turned into an intense back-and-forth affair. Both sides pushed for a winner, knowing that three points would significantly boost their league ambitions.

With regulation time expired, the drama intensified. Deep into stoppage time, Aboubakar rose highest to meet a corner kick, powering a header into the net to restore his side’s lead. It appeared the decisive moment had arrived.

However, the hosts were awarded a late penalty in the eighth minute of added time. The spot-kick was converted, denying the visitors what would have been a dramatic victory and forcing the teams to share the points.

Unbeaten Run Continues

Although the result may feel frustrating given the late equalizer, the draw extends Neftci’s unbeaten run in 2026 to seven league matches. Consistency has improved in recent weeks, even if the club remains in sixth place in the standings.

Climbing higher will require turning narrow draws into wins, particularly in tightly contested fixtures like this one. Nevertheless, the team’s resilience and ability to respond under pressure remain positive signs.

Aboubakar’s Impact This Season

The 34-year-old forward has often been used as a substitute this season, yet he continues to deliver important contributions. Across all competitions, he has registered eight goals in fourteen appearances — an impressive return considering limited starting opportunities.