BAKU, Azerbaijan (Interstat) — A dramatic stoppage-time equalizer from Brahim Konaté salvaged a 1-1 draw for Neftçi PFK against Zirə FK in a tightly contested Premyer Liqa match on Friday afternoon at Zirə Qəsəbə Stadionu.

The result, which mirrored the pregame projection from Interstat’s simulator, saw both Baku-based clubs open their 2025-2026 domestic campaigns with a share of the points, leaving each with an identical record of zero wins, zero losses and one draw both in the league and across all competitions this season.

The match was a defensive struggle for much of the evening, with clear-cut chances at a premium. The home side, Zirə, entered the fixture as a significant favorite according to statistical models, with Interstat’s ELO system giving them a 66.50 percent probability of securing a victory. That expectation appeared to be crumbling as the clock ticked into its final stages, however, with Neftçi’s organized defense frustrating Zirə’s attacking efforts.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute against the general run of play. Zirə’s Imad Faraj found the decisive touch, putting the home side ahead 1-0 and sending the local supporters into a frenzy. The goal seemed poised to hold up as the winner as the match entered added time, with Zirə managing the tempo and Neftçi struggling to create a meaningful final opportunity.

Just as the home fans began to celebrate, Neftçi mounted one last desperate attack deep into the fourth minute of stoppage time. The effort was rewarded when forward Brahim Konaté managed to steer the ball into the net, securing a vital and unlikely point for the visitors at the death. The goal, coming with virtually the last kick of the game, dramatically altered the complexion of the evening, turning what seemed certain to be a winning start for Zirə into a frustrating stalemate.

The final whistle blew moments after the restart, confirming the 1-1 draw. The result will be viewed differently by each camp. Zirə FK will rue the loss of two points after controlling significant portions of the match and seeing a pregame high probability of victory slip away in the closing seconds. For Neftçi PFK, the draw represents a resilient and valuable point earned through sheer persistence, rescuing a result from a match that appeared lost.

The early-season showdown provides both teams with a foundation to build upon as the Premyer Liqa season progresses. The dramatic nature of the draw underscores the competitive balance expected in the league this year, where matches can be decided in the final moments regardless of pregame projections. Both sides will look to convert similar performances into full points in their upcoming fixtures.