DOBOJ, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Interstat) — Almir Aganspahic scored in the 48th minute and Velez Mostar held on for a 1-0 victory over Sloga Meridian on Sunday in a match that turned on one early second-half finish and a series of disciplinary stops.

Velez Mostar’s decisive moment came soon after the break. Aganspahic found the net in the 48th minute, giving the visitors the only goal they would need. His statline finished at 69 minutes and one goal before he was replaced in the 69th minute. The goal stood as the game’s most important play, and Sloga Meridian could not produce an equalizer despite later changes and pressure. Sloga Meridian had more of the ball in the closing half hour, but it could not find a finishing touch.

Sloga Meridian’s attempts to respond were complicated by cards. Dani Molina was booked in the 9th minute, and A. Redzic received a yellow card in the 46th minute. Velez Mostar’s N. Vukasovic was cautioned in the 71st minute, and Sloga Meridian’s J. Celikovic was booked in the 83rd minute. The bookings interrupted the home side’s rhythm as it chased the game and forced both teams to be more cautious in the tackle during the final stages.

The substitutions came in succession: F. Ferreiroa for Sloga Meridian in the 59th minute, Dani Molina for Sloga Meridian in the 60th, D. Salcin for Velez Mostar in the 63rd, J. Cueto and D. Savic for Sloga Meridian in the 69th, A. Nukic and Aganspahic for Velez Mostar in the 69th, B. Garay for Sloga Meridian in the 79th and N. Stojanovic for Velez Mostar in the 88th. The changes did not alter the scoreline.

Velez Mostar’s record in this competition is now 1 win, 1 loss and 2 draws, while its record across all competitions is 1 win, 2 losses and 2 draws. Sloga Meridian’s competition record is now 0 wins and 4 losses, and its overall record stands at 1 win and 4 losses. The victory gave Velez Mostar a needed result after a recent run that included a loss at Gradacac, a home loss to BSK Banja Luka and home draws with Borac Banja Luka and Siroki Brijeg.

Sloga Meridian entered after a win at Romanija Pale but had also suffered losses at Borac Banja Luka and at home to Siroki Brijeg and Zrinjski. The home side pushed for a response after Aganspahic’s goal, but Velez Mostar’s back line and midfield protected the narrow lead. Most of Sloga Meridian’s attacking work came after the interval, but clear chances were scarce. Velez Mostar defended compactly and used its substitutions to slow the tempo. The home team’s best route back into the match appeared to be set pieces, but the final ball lacked precision. Velez Mostar’s goal remained the difference as the final whistle approached.

The result leaves Velez Mostar with momentum in the competition and Sloga Meridian still searching for its first competition win. Velez Mostar’s previous results this season included a loss at Gradacac, a home loss to BSK Banja Luka, a home draw with Borac Banja Luka and a home draw with Siroki Brijeg. Sloga Meridian’s previous results included a win at Romanija Pale, a loss at Borac Banja Luka, a home loss to Siroki Brijeg and a home loss to Zrinjski. The match remained defined by Aganspahic’s finish and Velez Mostar’s ability to hold its lead.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Velez Mostar 2, Sloga Meridian 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Sloga Meridian with a 58.4 percent probability to win. Sloga Meridian had been installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 1 went over the over/under line of 2.5.