CSKA Sofia Draws with Ukrainian League Leaders LNZ Cherkassy in Antalya Friendly
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A hard-fought match in Antalya ended in a 0-0 draw for CSKA Sofia against LNZ Cherkassy, the current leaders of the Ukrainian Premier League. The result comes after a pair of defeats for Hristo Yanev’s squad during their Turkish training camp, signaling a slight improvement in form but still leaving room for development ahead of the competitive season.
Pre-Season Preparations and Lineup Changes
CSKA is currently undergoing a training camp at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya, Turkey, utilizing the opportunity to test various formations and integrate new players. The team had previously suffered losses – 0-2 against Korona Kielce and 1-2 against Mlada Boleslav – making this match against LNZ Cherkassy a crucial test of their progress.
A notable change in the starting lineup saw Isak Sole replace Ilian Iliev, who was originally slated to start. Despite Teodor Ivanov typically wearing the captain’s armband in official matches, Bruno Jordao led the team onto the pitch as captain for this friendly. New signings Leo Pereira and Alejandro Piedraita were deployed on both wings, with reports indicating the Brazilian Pereira was particularly impactful during the match.
Controversial Moments and Missed Opportunities
The match wasn’t without its share of contentious moments. In the 10th minute, a goal scored by Ioannis Pitas was disallowed due to an offside call, frustrating the CSKA players. Later, in the 31st minute, the team appealed for a penalty after Isaac Sole’s pass to Pitas was intercepted by Gorin, with the ball appearing to make contact with the defender’s hand. However, the referee waved play on, much to the dismay of the CSKA bench.
Adding to the unusual circumstances, the referee briefly halted play in the 23rd minute due to a drone flying over the stadium, causing a momentary disruption. After a brief consultation with the coaching staff, the match resumed.
Second-Half Lull and Final Assessment
The second half saw a noticeable drop in tempo, with limited attacking opportunities for either side. A late attempt by substitute Andrey Yordanov failed to find the target, ultimately sealing the 0-0 draw. While CSKA demonstrated increased activity and a determined effort against a formidable opponent, they were unable to break the deadlock.
“The players were more active, but ultimately couldn’t capitalize on their chances,” a source close to the team noted. The draw represents a step forward from previous results, but Yanev will likely be looking for more clinical finishing and sharper decision-making as the season approaches.
