By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Neftçi Baku’s struggles in the Azerbaijan Premier League deepened on Saturday as they fell 3–2 at home to Mil-Muğan, despite an early goal from Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar.
The defeat leaves Neftçi 8th on the league table, a worrying position for a club with title ambitions, and now nine points adrift of leaders Qarabag after 16 match days.
A Dream Start That Quickly Faded
The home crowd barely settled in when Aboubakar gave Neftçi the perfect start.
The striker stepped up with trademark confidence to convert an 11th-minute penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and briefly lifting the Baku giants.
But Mil-Muğan responded immediately.
Just two minutes later, Ezequiel Morgan punished slack defending to level the match, applying calm finishing inside the box as Neftçi’s backline hesitated.
The match swung back and forth, with both sides trading spells of momentum, but Neftçi never fully recovered from the sudden equaliser.
Goals Flow, Control Doesn’t
Elvin Makhmudov restored Neftçi’s advantage on 60 minutes, finishing off a flowing move that momentarily rekindled belief in the home supporters.
However, that hope vanished within four minutes.
Diogo Vasques Rollo pounced on defensive confusion to make it 2–2, before E. Banguera struck an 87th-minute winner, silencing the stadium and sealing a dramatic turnaround for Mil-Muğan.
For all their possession, Neftçi lacked the composure and organisation needed to see out the match — a theme that has troubled them throughout the season.
Aboubakar Shines, But the Team Falters
Vincent Aboubakar remained one of Neftçi’s most threatening players on the pitch.
His movement, strength, and ability to create danger between the lines kept Mil-Muğan’s defenders busy, yet he could not rescue the side from another costly collapse.
His early penalty reinforced his importance and sharpness, especially for Cameroon ahead of a pivotal international year. But the lack of support around him continues to limit Neftçi’s attacking efficiency.
A Gap That Is Growing
With the loss, Neftçi’s climb toward the top grows steeper.They now sit 8th, and the nine-point gap to Qarabag — consistent and ruthless this season — places additional pressure on the team’s technical staff and senior players.
Neftçi must rediscover rhythm quickly if they hope to re-enter the title conversation.
For now, their captain has delivered the goals — but the collective response remains desperately needed. A long road lies ahead.
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