Report.az
The Azerbaijani men's national basketball team failed to maintain an 18-point lead in the EURO-2029 qualifying match against North Macedonia due to fatigue.
This was stated by national team member Amil Hamzayev in an interview with "Report".
The experienced player noted that they were upset about losing the victory in the match against North Macedonia:
"Overall, we performed well. We won against Ireland, and fought hard against North Macedonia at home. In fact, we had a very good chance to win. We just couldn't take advantage of it. Although we were 18 points ahead, fatigue and the lack of sufficient point support from reserve players led to the difference closing. While all the basketball players in the opponent's squad scored points, we had a problem in this regard. We lost to North Macedonia by 38 points away. But at that time, we couldn't show our game, and our foreign basketball players hadn't adapted to the team. The last defeat is a good signal for the future".
The basketball player emphasized that the confidence in the team has been restored and the young players are gaining experience:
"In the meeting with Ireland, even though our legionnaire was penalized and left the field, we won in the fourth period with our own strength. This restored self-confidence in the children. Our team consists of young people and their inexperience is felt in some moments because they participate in this type of competition less. For example, our inability to get out of the opponent's press easily in yesterday's game is an example of this. We have two important games against Luxembourg and Ireland in July. We intend to take maximum advantage of our chance to advance to the next stage as the second in the group by winning both of them. I think we can win both games".
A.Hamzayev also touched upon the performance of nationalized players and losses in the squad:
"Orkhan Hajiyev's absence was greatly felt in the game against North Macedonia. If he joins us in July, I believe we will win both games more easily. I was very satisfied with Sadettin Donat's desire, both on and off the field, from the nationalized basketball players. Ulaş Turgut was better in the first game, while Derin Berkoz is still very young and gaining experience. Overall, every player did their best, no one can be blamed. I thank each of them".
It should be noted that the Azerbaijani national team, coached by Tahir Bakshiyev, lost to North Macedonia with a score of 70:78 in the match held in Baku yesterday in the qualifying round of EURO-2029.
