Sarajevo Falters Late as Damașcan Rescues Zrinjski in Dramatic Stalemate

On a crisp October night at Olimpijski Stadion Asim Ferhatović Hase, FK Sarajevo found themselves within touching distance of redemption. After a turbulent month defined by fits and starts, they were poised to claim a vital win against title-chasing Zrinjski, only to see their hopes dashed at the death. An equalizer from Vitalie Damașcan in the 90th minute silenced the home faithful, leaving Sarajevo with just a point for their efforts and Zrinjski clinging to their place amongst the league’s elite.

A Night of Narrow Margins and Late Drama

The match unfolded with all the tension expected between two storied rivals with divergent ambitions. Sarajevo, looking to steady a campaign beset by inconsistency, took the field seventh in the Premijer Liga table, straining to keep pace with the pack. Zrinjski, the visitors from Mostar, arrived riding the momentum of a European triumph and a domestic unbeaten streak, eager to assert their status as contenders.

The first half was a cautious affair, both sides probing but rarely exposing themselves. Sarajevo, perhaps wary of recent defensive lapses, kept their lines tight, while Zrinjski sought to control tempo and test the hosts on the counter. A handful of half-chances aside, neither goalkeeper was truly troubled before the interval.

But it was after the break that the match sparked to life. Sarajevo, emboldened by their home support and sensing opportunity, pressed forward with renewed intent. Their breakthrough came in the 62nd minute. A rapid exchange on the edge of the area released an attacking surge, and the ball found its way to Sarajevo’s forward—whose name, lost to the night’s ledger but not the moment—who swept it past the Zrinjski keeper to ignite the stadium. At long last, Sarajevo had seized control and, for the first time in weeks, believed three points within reach.

Zrinjski’s Relentless Response

Yet Zrinjski showed precisely why they are chasing the league summit. Spurred by the deficit, manager Sergej Jakirović turned to his bench, injecting pace and guile into fatigued legs. Damașcan, the Moldovan marksman, grew ever more dangerous, dragging defenders into uncomfortable spaces. Sarajevo, battered by recent defeats and desperate for relief, dropped deeper as the minutes slipped away.

Inevitable pressure mounted. Sarajevo defended with growing desperation—clearances hacked away, bodies thrown in the path of every shot—but Zrinjski were relentless. Then, as the clock struck 90, Sarajevo’s resistance finally buckled. A low cross bobbled dangerously through the penalty area, evading a