Asif Mammadov, scoring the winner goal against AZAL (1:0) in the 53rd minute of the return match within the Azerbaijan Cup round of eight, talks to gabalafc.az, saying:

“It was a tough game as we expected to be and prepared well. After the 1:0 win of the first tie, it was much important to go one ahead again. We tried to respond well to head coach Roman Grigorchuk’s tasks. Last matches of every year are usually difficult as all clubs and players go all for leaving to the winter break in a good mood.

I’m really happy that we ended with 2016 after victory. I think this was the result of our passion on the pitch. This was my ninth goal for Gabala after I missed my chance in the last game. My failed effort had disappointed me in the first tie, but now I feel really great before going to the winter break. We showed a good teamwork and earned victory.

We have missed some many promising occasions in last matches, as well as in this tie with AZAL. Although this fact, we performed a productive run all round of the season half. This is well evident as Gabala scored more goals than other domestic Premier League teams.

I think going down on our occasions in recent events is tied to tiredness and this was seen more clearly in recent games. We came on thirty one matches in the last five to six month and this is more than those even leading football countries.

Gabala have made a good progress in all round of 2016. We reached even to the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. The second half of the year was successful for us although it was also difficult with the heavy match schedule. I am convinced we will drive more benefits in the upcoming year.”