CSKA savour cup success
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Article summary
Emil Gargorov's first-half double helped PFC CSKA Sofia win the Bulgarian Cup for the first time in seven years with a 3-1 defeat of PFC Cherno More Varna.
Article body
PFC CSKA Sofia have won the Bulgarian Cup for the first time in seven years with a 3-1 defeat of PFC Cherno More Varna in the final at Sofia's Vassil Levski stadium.
First-half flurry
CSKA had lost the last two finals, to PFC Litex Lovech and PFC Levski Sofia, but effectively settled the contest by half-time with three goals in the opening 45 minutes. Captain Emil Gargorov struck first in the 12th minute, collecting a long pass by Mourad Hdiouad and finishing from close range, and then doubled the lead 15 minutes later with a powerful 20-metre strike. Forward Guillaume Dah Zadi added a third in the 32nd minute after good work by Yordan Todorov.
UEFA Cup place
Cherno More valiantly sought a way back into the match in the second period, but their hopes were all but extinguished with 17 minutes left when Daniel Morales failed to convert a penalty. The Brazilian defender was sent off in the closing stages, although his team did manage a last-gasp consolation with striker Massena Moke converting a second spot-kick. CSKA had already done enough, however, and will enter next season's UEFA Cup.
