Artem Fedchuk saved a heavily rotated FC Tambov from defeat with a late equaliser against former Russian Premier Liga side FC Tom Tomsk in the FNL Cup. Five trialists appeared for Tambov as they fell behind after Khasan Mamtov’s opener had given them an early lead.

Even before breaking the deadlock after eight minutes, Mamtov had already threatened with a quick shot on the turn into the side netting. Moments later he made no mistake with a top-corner rocket from just outside the box.

Vladimir Kabakhidze dragged down Tom forward Maksim Kazankov good 25 yards out. Nikita Chagrov probably should have done better than let Ilya Viznovich’s powerful free kick sail over him from distance, but the strike itself was deserving of recognition.

A Kazankov corner was met by a completely unmarked Viznovich, whose firm header to give the FNL team the lead 20 minutes into the second half. After a scrambled clearance from Tom five minutes from the end though, Fedchuk beat one marker before lashing in a volley from outside the box.

FC Tambov will face FC Chertanovo on Tuesday in their next group-stage game.

FC Tambov 2-2 FC Tom Tomsk
15 February, Paphos, Cyprus
Goals: Mamtov (8’), Fedchuk (84’); Viznovich (18’, 65’)

Tambov: Chagrov (trialist 46’), Takazov, Shlyakov (trialist 46’), trialist (trialist 46’), Kaplienko (trialist 46’), Kabakhidze, Karasev, Fedchuk, Merenchikov, Mamtov (Chernyshev 67’)