Neftchi and Tractor drew 2-2 after a goal in added time

The Neftchi team from Fergana lost to the Saudi club Al-Ittihad with a score of 2:1 in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026–2027 tournament. The decisive goal was scored in the 90th minute by substitute Yussef En-Nesyri.

After three matches, Al-Ittihad has accumulated four points, while Neftchi, who previously defeated Air Force SC from Iraq, has one point less.

The hosts started the game aggressively at the Istiklol stadium. As early as the second minute, Alisher Odilov took a long shot at the Saudi goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.

In the 13th minute, after a video review, the referee awarded a penalty for Neftchi because George Ilenikena touched the ball in the Al-Ittihad penalty area. Jamshid Isqandarov confidently converted the chance, despite Rajkovic touching the ball.

Odilov sent the ball into the net in the 27th minute, but this goal was disallowed for offside.

Al-Ittihad equalized in the 34th minute. Hossam Awar won an aerial duel against Kofi Kuo and directed the ball into the goal following a cross from Steven Bergwijn on the left flank.

Just before halftime, Neftchi's goalkeeper Botirali Ergashov prevented a dangerous shot from Ilenikena, which allowed the score to remain level during the half.

After the restart, Al-Ittihad increased the pressure, but Neftchi managed to get closer to regaining the lead in the 58th minute. Michel's shot to the right hit the post, after which Rajkovic collected the ball near the goal line.

Ergashov saved Muhannad Al-Shankiti's shot in the 72nd minute. The climax came at the end of regular time: En-Nesyri, who came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored from a free kick from about 23 meters into the lower left corner in the 90th minute.

This goal secured Al-Ittihad's first victory in the tournament campaign.

There is a steady growth in demand for seven-seater vehicles in the Indian market, and Hyundai is preparing to strengthen its position in this segment. According to available data, the company may introduce a new MPV named Neira in 2027. This vehicle is being developed taking into account the needs of large families.

Neira is expected to be available with various powertrains, including petrol, turbocharged petrol, diesel engines, as well as a CNG option. Reports indicate that the launch of the Hyundai Neira in India could take place in the first half of 2027, with a possibility of its presentation at the India Mobility Global Expo 2027. Currently, Hyundai does not have such an MPV in its portfolio.

Upon entering the market, the new Hyundai model will directly compete with vehicles such as Maruti Ertiga and Kia Carens. The conceptual design of the Hyundai Neira resembles the Kia Carens Clavis. Nevertheless, changes have been made to the front design, wheel rims, and rear taillights to give the car uniqueness. The company may promote this design in the production model, although further modifications are possible before the launch.

The cabin concept includes features such as a dual-screen dashboard, a separate climate control panel, and a panoramic roof. Some of these features may also be available in the model intended for India. With three rows of seats, this MPV could become a new choice for large families, emphasizing space and comfort.

One of the main advantages of the Hyundai Neira will be the availability of multiple engine options. According to reports, the company may offer a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine, a 1.5-liter diesel engine, as well as an optional factory CNG. This range of models will be similar to that presented in the Kia Carens Clavis, although the engine power for Neira may be individually tuned.

In the base configurations, the Neira will likely be equipped with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. This option will suit customers who use the car daily in the city and occasionally take long trips with family, while also ensuring more fuel-efficient consumption.

The 7-seater MPV segment has recently seen an active battle for offerings with the CNG option. Demand for CNG vehicles in India has sharply increased in recent months. There are rumors that the Hyundai Neira will also have the option of factory CNG installation. This feature will allow the car to take the position of one of the closest competitors to the Maruti Ertiga, although this will also depend on the vehicle's fuel economy level.

There is also a possibility that the Hyundai Neira will be presented in an electric version. An electric concept of this MPV was demonstrated at the Indonesia Motor Show. However, there is no official confirmation yet regarding the launch of the electric model in India. It is assumed that the initial launch in the Indian market will be with petrol, turbocharged petrol, diesel, and potentially CNG variants, while the electric version may appear later.