Hillal Soudani showcased his prowess for NK Maribor as the Slovenian club gears up for their Europa League qualifying campaign. In a friendly match against NK Ormoz on Wednesday, June 19, Maribor emerged victorious with a staggering 14-0 win, highlighted by a goal from the veteran Algerian international.
Soudani, leading the Violets’ attack in the first half, netted the sixth goal of the match in the 43rd minute.
This marked the 36-year-old striker’s debut friendly appearance for Maribor, where he played a pivotal role in the initial 45 minutes of the game.
Soudani’s goal added to his impressive tally since joining NK Maribor as a free agent in July 2023. With this latest strike, he has now scored 17 goals for the club.
His inaugural season in the Prva Liga was nothing short of remarkable, as he found the back of the net 15 times and provided four assists in 27 matches.
His stellar performances earned him the Player of the Month award for April in the Slovenian top flight and secured his place in the league’s Team of the Season.
The Algerian international’s contributions have been instrumental for NK Maribor, and his form continues to be a promising sign as the team prepares for crucial upcoming fixtures.
Maribor’s pre-season preparations will see them play another friendly on June 22 against FC Spartak Trnava, followed by a significant encounter against Botev Plovdiv on July 11, which will be pivotal for their Europa League qualification hopes.
Soudani’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital for Maribor as they aim to make a deep run in the Europa League.
The club’s commanding performance against NK Ormoz serves as a confidence booster, highlighting their readiness for the competitive challenges ahead.
As Maribor looks forward to the new season, the veteran forward’s influence both on and off the pitch will be crucial.
His leadership and knack for scoring will provide the team with the necessary edge in their quest for European success.
The friendly against NK Ormoz not only demonstrated Soudani’s individual brilliance but also showcased the team’s collective strength, setting a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures.
NK Maribor fans will undoubtedly be buoyed by this dominant display, eagerly anticipating more stellar performances from Soudani and his teammates as they embark on their European adventure.
The friendly victories and Soudani’s goal-scoring form bode well for a promising season ahead for the Violets.
