Botev Plovdiv came agonisingly close to Super Cup glory, but Samuel Akere and Ehije Ukaki’s efforts were not enough to secure victory.
Despite their goal and assist, the Bulgarian club fell short in a dramatic five-goal thriller, suffering a last-minute heartbreak at the hands of Ludogorets, Footballrover reports.
Akere and Ukaki shine, but Ludogorets fight back
The visitors took the lead in the 60th minute when Nigerian forward Akere capitalised on a well-placed assist from Ukaki, firing Botev Plovdiv ahead.
Ukaki received the ball inside the box and lays it over for Samuel Akere to score.
However, their advantage was short-lived, as Ludogorets responded six minutes later through Dinis Almeida.
Jakub Piotrowski then struck in the 70th minute, putting Ludogorets 2-1 up.
Ukaki was substituted in the 73rd minute, and 10 minutes later, Akere also made way.
But Botev Plovdiv found hope when Aleksa Maras, barely a minute after coming on, netted a dramatic equaliser in the 84th minute to restore parity at 2-2.
Super Cup dreams shattered in stoppage time
With extra time looming, Ludogorets delivered a crushing blow.
Just two minutes into stoppage time, Ivaylo Chochev struck the decisive goal, sealing a 3-2 victory and leaving the defending champions stunned.
The defeat extends Botev Plovdiv’s struggles, marking their seventh consecutive match without a win.
With five losses and just two draws in this dismal run, Akere and Ukaki’s side must regroup quickly as they prepare for their next league fixture against Hebar in the Bulgarian Parva Liga.
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