RIVNE, Ukraine (Interstat) — Veres Rivne opened its season with a 3-2 victory over SK Poltava in the Ukrainian Premier League on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at Stadion Avanhard.

The visitors took an early lead with a 31st-minute goal from substitute Daniil Sukhoruchko, but Veres Rivne responded before halftime. Midfielder Denys Ndukwe equalized in the 45th minute. Forward Kai Cipot then put Poltava back ahead in the 65th.

The home side completed the comeback with two late goals. Midfielder Ihor Kharatin scored the equalizer before substitute Maksym Marusych netted the winner, assisted by Denys Halenkov. The result defied a pregame projection that favored Veres Rivne with a 77% win probability but forecast only a 2-1 scoreline.