Abubakar Kadyrov’s second-half goal was all Akhmat Grozny could manage against Belarussian side Shakhtyor Soligorsk. Former Amkar Perm striker Darko Bodul capped off a 3-1 win for the Shakhtyor with a late penalty.

Shakhtyor opened the scoring after just four minutes through Igor Burko and should have doubled their lead after two players broke clear of Akhmat’s haphazard defence. A couple of long-range shots were all the Russian Premier League side could muster in the opening period.

More slack marking left new signing Giorgi Diasamidze to convert from 10 yards out and put Shakhtyor 2-0 up after half an hour. Just after half time, Abubakar Kadyrov’s calm finish through a small crowd of players gave Akhmat hope.

With just over 12 minutes remaining, Bodul scored from the spot to put the result beyond doubt. Akhmat face Mura from Slovenia on Sunday 2 February next.

Akhmat 1-3 Shakhtyor Soligorsk
1 February, Belek, Turkey

Goals: A. Kadyrov 48’; Burko 4’, Diasamidze 30’, Bodul 78’ (p)
Akhmat: Melikhov, Adamov, Angel (Nizic 46’), Kharin, Karmaev, Shvets, Khakiev, Kh. Kadyrov (Berisha 46’), Mitrishev, A. Kadyrov, Ponce