Neftçi lift Azerbaijani Cup to complete double

Neftçi PFK lifted the Azerbaijani Cup and set the seal on a domestic double with a penalty shoot-out victory against Xäzär Länkäran FK.

Having clinched the 2012/13 Azerbaijani Premier League title – their third in a row – two weeks ago, Neftçi went in search of the double only to find stubborn resistance in the form of Xäzär. The side who finished ninth in the top flight frustrated the champions throughout and almost snatched a memorable victory, only for Sadio Tounkara to squander the best chance of the match.

However, with neither team able to break the deadlock in 90 minutes or extra time, the destiny of the cup was determined by penalties. The capital club held their nerve with captain Rashad Sadygov striking the winning spot kick to earn a 5-3 shoot-out triumph.