In the first match of the second round of the UEFA Europa Conference League qualification, Ararat-Armenia secured an impressive 3-0 away victory over Moldovan Zimbru. This win marked the first-ever victory for an Armenian football club over Moldovan teams, ending a series of 14 winless matches.
The main hero of the match was the team’s newcomer Eric Okansi, who scored a double in the 74th and 90th minutes. Arthur Serobyan managed to open the scoring in the 23rd minute by converting a penalty. Serobyan was also one of the most active players of the match, creating numerous dangerous moments near the opponent's goal.
From the very beginning of the match, Ararat-Armenia took the initiative. The first goal was scored by Arthur Serobyan from a penalty in the 23rd minute, which gave the team confidence. Zimbru's goalkeeper Nicolae Chebotari demonstrated excellent play, making eight saves and preventing the Armenian team from increasing the score in the first half.
In the second half, Ararat-Armenia continued to dominate. In the 74th minute, Eric Okansi doubled his team's lead, scoring the second goal. In the 90th minute, Okansi struck again, scoring the third goal from Duarte's assist.
The second-leg match of the second round of the Conference League will take place on August 1st in Yerevan. Ararat-Armenia has an excellent chance to progress further, given the comfortable three-goal advantage and confident play in the first match.
Zimbru (Moldova) — Ararat-Armenia (Armenia) 0-3 | Second Round of UEFA Conference League Qualification
- 0-1 Arthur Serobyan (pen, 23)
- 0-2 Eric Okansi (74)
- 0-3 Eric Okansi (Duarte, 90)
Match review:
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