By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Indomitable Lions’ skipper Vincent Aboubakar made a dream debut for Neftçi Baku, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2–0 away win over Gabala FK in the Azerbaijan Premier League this Sunday.
The 33-year-old had been without a club since leaving Turkish side Hatayspor in May following their relegation from the Super Lig, but wasted no time in marking his return to club competitive football with a decisive performance.
After a tight and goalless first half in Gabala, Ifeanyi Mathew opened the scoring in the 72nd minute with a precise low strike to give Neftçi the breakthrough.
Just eight minutes later, Aboubakar who had replaced Sambou a few minutes earlier sealed the win, reacting quickest inside the box to fire home and secure all three points for the visitors.
The result lifts Neftçi Baku to seventh place in the Azerbaijan Premier League standings with 12 points, just six points behind leaders Turan Tovuz (18).
Qarabağ FK and Zira FK remain close contenders with 16 points each, while Sabail, Sumqayıt, and Sabah FK complete the top six. Gabala, meanwhile, continue to struggle near the bottom after another home defeat.
Head coach Samir Abasov praised his side’s focus and tactical discipline, with Aboubakar’s debut goal providing a timely boost to their campaign as they aim to climb further up the table.
Next up, Neftçi Baku shift focus to the Azerbaijan Cup, where they will face MOIK Baku on Wednesday — a fixture expected to offer Abasov a chance to further integrate his new striker into the team’s attacking setup.
Full-time: Gabala 0–2 Neftçi Baku
Goals: Ifeanyi Mathew (72’), Vincent Aboubakar (80’)
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