Guinean international Salifou Soumah played a pivotal role in Zira FK’s 2-0 triumph over Sabah FC in the second round of the Azerbaijani Premyer Liqasi on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The match, held at the Bank Respublika Arena, saw Zira FK maintain their perfect start to the season, with Soumah contributing decisively to his team’s success.
The encounter began with both teams displaying cautious play, but Zira FK soon asserted their dominance.
The first half remained goalless, with both sides struggling to convert their chances into goals.
However, Zira FK’s persistence paid off early in the second half.
Salifou Soumah, the 20-year-old right winger who made his mark at AS Kaloum in Guinea’s top division back in 2021, was instrumental in securing the victory.
Soumah, who has steadily emerged as one of Zira FK’s most reliable attackers, scored the crucial second goal in the 52nd minute, effectively sealing the match for his team.
His goal followed an earlier strike by his teammate, giving Zira FK an unassailable lead that Sabah FC could not overcome.
This performance marks Soumah’s first goal of the 2024-2025 season and sets the stage for what promises to be a highly productive year.
Last season, Soumah scored six goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Zira FK, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the league.
With this early-season goal, the Guinean U23 international appears poised to surpass his previous record and play a key role in Zira FK’s campaign.
Zira FK’s consecutive victories in the opening rounds of the Premyer Liqasi have placed them in a strong position early in the season, currently sitting second in the standings with six points.
The team’s defensive solidity, combined with their attacking prowess led by players like Soumah, has made them a formidable force in the league.
Looking ahead, Zira FK will face Araz Nakhitchevan in their next league outing on Sunday, August 18, at the Olympic Sports Complex.
As the team continues its quest for top honors in the Azerbaijani top flight, all eyes will be on Soumah and his teammates to see if they can maintain their momentum and build on their strong start.
For Soumah, this season represents an opportunity not just to enhance his goal tally but also to establish himself further as a key player in Azerbaijani football.
His journey from AS Kaloum to Zira FK is a testament to his growth and potential, and performances like the one against Sabah FC suggest that there is much more to come from this talented young forward.
