A Vasili Drozdov goal, conveting a last-gasp try from centre Dmitri Leskov, sealed an astonishing comeback from Moscow's CSKA, as they defeated Partizan from Belgrade 38-36 in the inauguaral Army Unity Cup at the MBA Stadium.
The hosts were 16 points down with barely five minutes remaing in minus three degrees temperature but thrilled their fans in an astonishing finish.
Tries from Mihajlo Ilić and Dario Abidinović and two Džavid Jašari goals gave the visitors and early 12-0 advantage, CSKA replying through Leskov's first touchdown. Partizan led 18-16 at the break, Ilić with a second score, and two Vladimir Milutinović tries in the second half seemed to have given them the win.
But three tries in the closing minutes, two from Leskov and another via Tariel Dzavadzasvili saw CSKA home.
Partizan coach Admir Hadzic, whose side travelled 2,000km for the game, said: “I can’t say the score didn’t matter, but more important is that we made the trip and that a tradition was officially started. We are looking forward to hosting our Russian friends next year in Belgrade.”
CSKA 38
Kiril Boz, Igor Avramov, Kiril Borisov, Dmitri Leskov, Sergei Muncan, Jon Kriste, Aleksandr Lysokon, Ustin Petruška, Vladimir Panschacev, Tariel Dzavadzasvili, Vasili Drozdov, Nikolai Zagoskin, Aleksandr Naumov, Denis Tulenev, Aleksei Smakov, Aleksandr Aleksandrov, Vladimir Soldatov.
Tries: Leskov (26, 78, 80), Lysokon (37), Drozdov (40, 75), Dzavahavsvili (76)
Goals: Lysokon 1/1, Aleksandrov 1/2, Drozdov 4/4
PARTIZAN 32
Dragan Jovanovic, Pavle Vojinovic, Vladimir Milutinovic, Nikola Srbljanin, Kosta Stojikovic, Branko Carapic, David Jašari, Dušan Milutinovic, Mihailo Ilic, Dario Abidinovic, Leo Dodic, Denis Bibic, Vlado Kušic, Mihailo Stoiljkovic, Aleksa Milkovic, Ronaldo Bitili, Denis Bajrami.
Tries: Vladimir Milutinovic (44, 62), Mihajlo Ilic (11, 33), Dario Abidinovic (19)
Goals: David Jašari 6/6
Half time: 16-18
Attendance: 500
Referee: Aleksandr Zukov (Russia)
Touch judges: Sergej Dobronian (Russia) Vladan Kikanovic (Serbia)