Karabakh beat Sumgait 1-0 in the Azerbaijan Premier League's third regular season round on Sunday. The visitors took the lead from a penalty just before the break and held on despite Kady Borges being sent off at the hour mark.
J. Mouaddib converted from the spot in the 45th minute, and Sumgait could not find an equaliser. Kady Borges saw red in the 32nd minute, a blow that never quite went away for Karabakh's side.
Sumgait had the better of possession at 45 per cent, but Karabakh registered more attacks—104 to 88—and twice as many corners. The hosts managed four shots on target, the same as the visitors, but could not test the goalkeeper after the penalty.
Both sides made several changes. Sumgait brought on N. Orucov and R. Vasquez in the 60th minute, followed by M. Qurbanly a minute later. Karabakh introduced A. Jankovic and Renan Santana together in the 76th minute.
The result leaves Sumgait bottom of the table after one defeat, while Karabakh sit fifth with three points. The visitors had already faced Dynamo Kyiv twice this month, winning one and losing one, so this league point was a steadier outcome.
