Akhmat claimed a commanding 3–0 home victory over Akron in their Matchday 10 Russian Premier League clash.

 

The hosts struck early, with forward Egas Kasintura opening the scoring in the 3rd minute. In the second half, substitute Brian Mansilla doubled the lead in the 72nd minute before sealing the result with his second goal in the 90th, completing a comprehensive win.

 

After the match, Akhmat head coach Stanislav Cherchesov reflected on the performance and took questions from the press:

 

— We prepared for a tough match. Those who only saw the scoreline might think it was an easy win, but it was anything but. That was a very difficult game. Akron caused us plenty of problems. The players carried out what we asked of them. Whenever we surrendered the initiative, Akron became dangerous but Ndong and Gandri dealt with everything. Congratulations to the team on the victory and the three points.

 

— You know Artem Dzyuba well. Did you give your defenders special instructions for dealing with him?

 

— We weren’t going to man-mark him across the whole pitch. As for set pieces, we knew exactly what needed to be done. You can’t track a player like that tightly for all 90 minutes. Our defenders and midfielders handled him superbly. Ndong, Gandri, Keliano, and later Ibishev all did an excellent job.

 

— What can you say about the progress of the club’s academy players — Sadulaev, Ibishev, Magomedov, Yakuev, and Gaibov?

 

— Lechi created a brilliant opening goal. Right now, Sadulaev is one of the key players in the team. All the boys are working hard, and we’re monitoring them closely. Goalkeeper Magomedov scored against Spartak and played an excellent match overall. All of our young players are following individual training programs. We’re waiting for them to reach a certain level so we can give them opportunities — which they must earn.

 

— Mansilla came off the bench, looked very sharp, and scored twice. What did you say to him before sending him on?

 

— I had a talk with Brian yesterday. We see that he’s been trying, but until now he hadn’t quite managed to find his place here. Today, he did exactly what I asked of him. I’m happy for him — he caught the rhythm of the game and showed his quality.

 

— The Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov attended the match today. What do you make of the steady improvement in home attendances?

 

— Fans should follow the example of the Head of the Republic. We can’t force people to come — all we can do is show them what we want and how the club is changing. You can’t compel people, but you can inspire them. We have to play with heart so that people appreciate it and want to come. I hope the stadium will soon be full.

 

— The team remains unbeaten in the league. What’s the secret behind this run?

 

— I feel at home here in Grozny. I know the players well. We’ve made adjustments to our training process, but we only demand from the players what they are capable of. The most important thing is that they listen and respond. My colleague Storozhuk worked here before me, and he’s an excellent coach. I wish every success to him and his staff.

 

Akhmat vs Akron 3–0 (1–0)

27 September 2025. Kickoff: 14:00

Grozny, Akhmat Arena. Attendance: 4,491

Weather: +12°C, cloudy, light rain

 

Referees: Kukulyak (Kaluga), Mosyakin (Moscow), Bolotenkov (Moscow)

VAR: Shadykhanov (Moscow), Sukhoy (Lyubertsy)

 

Akhmat: Shelia; Gandri, Ndong, Bogosavac, Sidorov; Ismael, Keliano (Ibishev 74); Kasintura, Sadulaev (Zhemaletdinov 65), Samorodov (Mansilla 65), Melkadze (Konaté 84)

Head coach: Stanislav Cherchesov

 

Akron: Gudiev; Nedelcearu, Escoval (Agapov 46), Fernandez (Benshimol 79), Pestryakov; Maradishvili (Khosonov 46), Djakovac (Lončar 65); Bistrovic, Kuzmin (Bakaev 65), Sevikyan, Dzyuba

Head coach: Zaurbek Tedeev

 

Goals: Kasintura 3 (1–0), Mansilla 72 (2–0), Mansilla 90 (3–0)

Yellow cards: Sadulaev (56), Sidorov (83) – Escoval (43)