Despotovic double saves Orenburg from fourth straight loss

Djordje Despotovic struck twice to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Borac Banja Luka of Bosnia on Friday. Orenburg were pegged back late on to draw 2-2 but avoided defeat for the first time in their winter training schedule.

Ricardo Alves came close on 10 minutes with a rasping shot from outside the box before Despotovic turned an Andrey Malykh cross inches over a few minutes later. However, their early pressure was punished halfway through the first period through a decisive counter-attack.

The Malykh-Despotovic combination came good on the half-hour mark as the latter twisted a header into the bottom corner. With 10 minutes till the break the Serbian striker scrambled in a second from close range.

Although Orenburg began the second half in similarly dominant fashion - Mamadou Sylla was denied in the six-yard box three minutes after half time - they couldn’t prevent a scrappy equaliser being bundled in with 15 minutes to go.

Orenburg will next face Esbjerg of Denmark on Monday 3 February.

Orenburg 2-2 Burac
31 January, Belek, Turkey
Goals: Despotovic 31’, 35’; Kajkut 26’, Vujaklija 75’

First half: Rudenko, Malykh, Shakhov, Radakovic, Sivakov, Zotov, Kuat, Miskic, Alves, Chernykh, Despotovic
Second half: Rudenko, Kulishev, Gottlieb, Shakhov, Lapshov, Chukanov, Ayupov, Skoflek (Kuat 87’), Lipovoy, Sylla, Fameye