By Tata Mbunwe
Cameroonian defender Fai Collins showcased his defensive prowess in his first match for his new club, Radnicki Nis, where he contributed to a 3-2 victory against the Uzbekistan national team, Olympic on Saturday.
The international friendly, played in Turkey on January 20, marked a promising start for Fai in his new side.
The former Al Tai defender had been without a club for several months before securing a move to Radnicki Nis in December.
He was sidelined from appearing for the Cameroon national team in several games and missed the opportunity to represent his country at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
However, his recent transfer to the Serbian club provides a fresh opportunity for the seasoned defender to make a significant impact on the pitch.
In today’s friendly encounter, Olympic took an early lead within seven minutes, with Jalolidinov capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
Radnicki Nis quickly responded, leveling the score with a goal from David Petrović after a well-executed free-kick by Andrija Luković.
Olympic regained the lead after a tense play, courtesy of a goal from Odilov.
An undeterred Radnicki Nis pulled off a comeback as Andreja Stojanović netted an equalizer in the 63rd minute.
The determination of Nikola Trajković’s men was evident as they continued to press their opponents.
The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when newcomer Semir Smajlagić secured the winning goal following a corner taken by Nemanja Belaković.
The victory highlighted the team’s resilience and character, according to Radnicki’s head coach, Nikola Trajković, who expressed satisfaction with the result.
“The most important thing is that we showed character, we managed to come back from the deficit twice in the match and eventually win. I wish these things didn’t happen,” Trajković said after the match.
His new squad which includes a number of new recruits, including Fai Collins, is showing promising results already.
The club has suffered three defeats, one draw and a win in its last five games – not a very positive balance sheet for the Serbian Super League club.
Radnicki Nis will play its next game on January 24 against the Karvina team from the Czech Republic.
