Azerbaijan’s National Football Team Opens Third CIS Games with Win

The football competition of the Third CIS Games officially began on September 27 at Gabala City Stadium, marking an exciting start to the multi-sport event hosted by Azerbaijan.

The opening match featured the U-16 national teams of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Coached by Agil Nabiyev, the Azerbaijani squad secured a narrow 1-0 victory over their Tajik counterparts. The decisive goal came in the 29th minute from forward Nihad Huseynzade, The Caspian Post informs via local media.

Before the kickoff, the Azerbaijani National Anthem was played, followed by a solemn moment of silence to honor the memory of martyrs, setting a respectful tone for the competition.

Later in the day, the tournament’s second match will see the U-16 teams of Belarus and Russia compete for early points in the group stage.

The football tournament brings together six countries: Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Russia, and Uzbekistan. The competition will continue over the next week and conclude on October 4.

As one of the key events in the Third CIS Games, the football tournament promises thrilling matches and a showcase of emerging talent from across the Commonwealth of Independent States.