CSKA 1948 secured a commanding four-goal victory over third-tier Neftohimik in Burgas on October 16, 2026, becoming the first team to advance to the round of 16 in the Sesame Bulgarian Cup as the opening round of 1/16-finals got underway.
The opening phase of the Sesame Bulgarian Cup brought a mix of routine victories for top-flight clubs and an early upset as the 1/16-finals kicked off across the country across multiple matchdays. While the heavy favorites largely managed to avoid disastrous exits, the lower-tier hosts provided fierce resistance.
CSKA 1948 Dominates Neftohimik in Burgas to Reach Round of 16
Visiting the third-tier side Neftohimik at Lazur Stadium on October 16, 2026, CSKA 1948 settled the match before halftime by netting all four of their goals in the opening forty-five minutes to claim a 4:0 win. Defender André Hoffmann opened the scoring in the sixth minute by reacting quickest after a corner kick scramble and goalkeeper Vladislav Velichkov’s initial save.
Just sixty seconds later, Atanas Iliev broke through the defensive line to double the lead. Brian Sobrero added a third in the 30th minute following a defensive clearance error, and Iliev secured his brace just before the interval by rounding the onrushing goalkeeper to round out the 4:0 scoreline. The victory made the visitors the first team confirmed for the next round. Operating under head coach Todor Kiselichkov, the youthful hosts showed admirable resolve and never stopped pushing forward, even appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty in the 42nd minute due to a handball claim inside the penalty area. Neftohimik also saw veteran Galin Dimov forced off due to an injury in the 18th minute, while Denis Tokmak tested goalkeeper Dimitar Sheytanov with a dangerous diagonal effort after the break that was successfully parried. Following their cup exit, Neftohimik’s attention turns back to the Southeast Third League schedule, where they are set to host Haskovo.
Lokomotiv Plovdiv and Top-Flight Rivals Advance
Last season’s runners-up, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, also booked their ticket to the next stage by defeating Yantra in Gabrovo with a clean 2:0 scoreline. Krist Longville opened the scoring in the first half, and Dominik Bourban sealed the result after the break to safely navigate the away fixture.
Saturday action saw defending champions Ludogorets comfortably defeat Beroe 3:0 away in Stara Zagora, courtesy of goals from Ivaylo Chochev, Caio Vidal, and Ruan Cruz. Slavia posted an identical 3:0 victory over Akademik Svishtov backed by a brace from Omar Baldé, while Cherno море dispatched Marek with a 3:0 win on the road at Bonchuk Stadium. Across the wider 1/16-final bracket, CSKA 1948, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Lokomotiv Sofia, Slavia, Hebar, Cherno More, Dunav Ruse, Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa, and Ludogorets successfully secured their spots among the last sixteen teams.
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Gorna Oryahovitsa Delivers the First Cup Upset
The round’s major shock occurred in Gorna Oryahovitsa, where local side Lokomotiv eliminated elite-division Septemvri Sofia 2:1 after extra time. Viktor Dobrev had given Septemvri the lead in the 23rd minute, but Dilyan Georgiev equalized late in regular time before Egor Romanyuk netted the winner in the 94th minute to spark wild celebrations.
Elsewhere in Saturday’s fixtures, Lokomotiv Sofia overcame Vihren Sandanski 2:1 following an own goal and strikes from Erol Dost and Ryan Bidunga. Dunav Ruse edged Rilski Sportist 3:2 in Samokov after a late scare, and Hebar Pazardzhik cruised past Pirin Blagoevgrad with a resounding 4:1 victory.
| Matchup | Result |
|---|---|
| Neftohimik – CSKA 1948 | 0:4 |
| Yantra Gabrovo – Lokomotiv Plovdiv | 0:2 |
| Vihren Sandanski – Lokomotiv Sofia | 1:2 |
| Akademik Svishtov – Slavia | 0:3 |
| Beroe – Ludogorets | 0:3 |
Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Schedule
The 1/16-final stage continues through the weekend and concludes early next week. Holders CSKA begin their defense of the trophy with a visit to Nessebar on Sunday, October 18, while Levski face Spartak Pleven in Lovech on the same evening at 18:00 hours. Botev Plovdiv travels to face Chernomorets Burgas on Sunday as well.
The final two participants in the round of 16 will be decided on Monday, October 19, when Dobrudja hosts Montana and Etur plays against Spartak Varna.