The Russian Premier League Matchday 3 encounter between Fakel and Akhmat ended in a goalless draw, 0-0.
The match was played at Fakel Stadium in Voronezh.
Akhmat head coach Stanislav Cherchesov answered journalists’ questions at the post-match press conference:
— We have now played three league matches as well as the cup game against Krasnodar. In two of our away games, in Moscow and Krasnodar, we came from behind. We didn't deserve to lose in Krasnodar and played some good football there. Here in Voronezh, we drew against a good team. I wouldn't say there was anything we set out to do that we failed to achieve. Another positive is that we kept a clean sheet against Fakel. Now we need to start scoring goals.
We wanted to win our opening matches of the season and had chances to do so. I'm pleased with the way the team played today and fought for this draw, because it's never easy for anyone in Voronezh. I like the team's attitude, although there were situations where our players could have made better use of their chances.
— How significant is Egas Kasintura's absence?
— Every player who plays an important role in our game is important to us. The fact is that he's unavailable because of suspension. Egas will also miss the game in Krasnodar. Today we were counting on Shchetinin, who needed a little time to get into the game. His performances in the last two matches have certainly been a positive. Kirill needs time, even though he has already played at this level. It will also be important to see how this enforced break following his red card affects Kasintura.
— How different is today's Fakel from the team you saw during the winter training camp in Türkiye?
— The team was always going to be different. A training camp is a training camp. There are things you simply can't compare: the players may be the same, but the way the team plays can be completely different. Today Fakel were up for the fight and determined to win. But my players did everything we asked of them except one thing: score a goal. I think a draw was a fair result.
Fakel vs Akhmat - 0-0
10 August 2026. Kick-off: 19:30
Voronezh, Fakel Stadium. Attendance: 8,527.
20°C, partly cloudy.
Referees: Sukhoy (Lyubertsy), Lunev (Novosibirsk), Matiescu (Pskov)
VAR: Ivanov (Rostov-on-Don), Opeykina (Sochi)
Fakel: Frolkin, Gabaraev, Yurganov, Bardachev, Alshin, Todorovic (Bagamaev, 84), Sutormin (Kovalev, 57), Netfullin, Yakimov (Gnapi, 84), Turishchev (Pusi, 38), Giorgobiani (Magomedov, 57).
Head coach: Oleg Vasilenko
Akhmat: Ulyanov, Tsake, Ndong, Bogosavac, Adamov, Ibishev, Romao, Shchetinin (Ismael, 59), Sadulaev (Keliano, 90+2), Samorodov, Melkadze (Maksuti, 66).
Head coach: Stanislav Cherchesov
Yellow cards: Sutormin (52), Todorovic (76) — Maksuti (68).
