MOSTAR, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Interstat) — FK Velež Mostar opened its 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Široki Brijeg in the Cup of Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday afternoon at Stadion Rođeni.

The home side, heavily favored pregame, validated the statistical projections but required a late goal to secure the result after letting an early lead slip away. Data firm Interstat had given Velež Mostar an 87.10 percent probability to win and projected a 3-1 final score, a forecast the home team narrowly undershot in a match that grew increasingly tense as time passed.

Velež Mostar established control from the opening whistle and found its reward in the 22nd minute. Midfielder Armin Spahić broke the deadlock, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead that reflected their early dominance in possession and chance creation. The goal seemed to set the stage for a comfortable evening for the favorites at their storied home ground.

However, Široki Brijeg, the visiting side, regrouped and began to frustrate Velež Mostar’s attack. The match settled into a stalemate until just before the hour mark, when Široki Brijeg found a crucial equalizer. In the 57th minute, striker Edo Vehabović scored to level the match at 1-1, silencing the home supporters and dramatically altering the complexion of the cup tie.

The equalizer injected renewed energy into the contest, with Široki Brijeg gaining confidence and Velež Mostar facing increased pressure to avoid an upset. For nearly half an hour, the outcome hung in the balance as both teams searched for a decisive goal. The visitors’ defense worked to contain Velež Mostar’s forwards, threatening to force the match to extra time.

The breakthrough for the home team finally arrived with just five minutes remaining in regulation. In the 85th minute, substitute Mihael Klepač became the hero for Velež Mostar, scoring the goal that ultimately decided the match. His late strike restored the lead at 2-1 and ensured the favorites advanced in the domestic cup competition.

The result gives FK Velež Mostar a positive start to the new year, opening with a victory in the cup. Their season record across all competitions now stands at one win and zero losses. For Široki Brijeg, the narrow defeat marks a disappointing start to their cup campaign and the season overall, leaving them with a record of zero wins and one loss in all competitions.

The match, played under cool February skies in Mostar, was the first for both clubs in the 2026 iteration of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s premier knockout tournament. Velež Mostar will move forward to the next round, while Široki Brijeg will turn its focus to future fixtures. The attendance at Stadion Rođeni was not immediately disclosed.