CSKA 1948 Sofia 1-0 FK Zeleznicar Pancevo | International Club Friendly | 7 July 2026

CSKA 1948 Sofia began their pre-season preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbian side FK Zeleznicar Pancevo in a friendly played behind closed doors at the Stadion Bistritsa on Tuesday night. The Bulgarian First League outfit controlled much of the game but needed a second-half strike to break the deadlock.

Match Summary

The first half was a cautious affair, with both teams focused on building fitness and sharpness. CSKA 1948 dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a well-organized Zeleznicar defense. The Serbian side threatened on the counter but lacked the final ball.

The decisive moment came in the 58th minute when CSKA 1948's midfielder collected the ball 25 yards from goal, drove forward, and unleashed a powerful shot that nestled in the bottom corner. Zeleznicar pushed for an equaliser late on, but the Bulgarian side held firm to preserve the clean sheet.

Key Performances

• CSKA 1948 Sofia – The defensive unit looked solid, with the new centre-back partnership showing promise. The goal scorer impressed with his composure.
• FK Zeleznicar Pancevo – The Serbian side showed good organisation and work rate, particularly in the first half. Their goalkeeper made several smart saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Pre-Season Context

For CSKA 1948 Sofia, this friendly was part of their build-up to the upcoming Bulgarian First League campaign. Manager Valentin Iliev will be pleased with the clean sheet and the ability to control the game without overexerting his players. Zeleznicar, preparing for the Serbian Prva Liga, will take positives from their defensive solidity and aim to sharpen their attack in future friendlies.

What's Next

Both teams will continue their pre-season schedules with additional friendlies in the coming weeks. CSKA 1948 Sofia are expected to face stronger opposition to test their squad depth, while Zeleznicar Pancevo will look to improve their offensive output before competitive matches resume.