Hankeendi and Sabail played out a 1:1 draw in the first round of the Birinci Deste, the opening fixture of the new season on 3 September 2026. Both sides began with zero points and zero games on the board, making this a fresh start for each club. R. Seyidov opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute before M. Musazada levelled for the visitors in the thirty-third.
The home side took the lead early, with Seyidov finding the net before the quarter-hour mark. It was the first goal either team had scored in this campaign, and it gave Hankeendi a brief advantage. To be fair, the opener felt like the kind of moment that sets the tone for a match.
Sabail responded with an equaliser not long after, Musazada scoring in the thirty-third minute. By then the visitors had found their rhythm and stretched the back line. The goal kept them in the contest and ensured the points would not go to one side.
The draw leaves both teams level on one point after their first outing. Neither side has lost yet, and neither has built a gap over the other. That is how a season like this often begins — with cautious steps rather than bold statements.
For Sabail, the result extends a pattern of resilience they have shown in recent fixtures. Their last five matches included wins and a clean sheet, though this season's opener was a different matter. Hankeendi, meanwhile, will look to build on the start they made at home.
