Ghanaian defender Sadick Abubakar was on target for FK Radnik Surdulica, but his early strike was not enough as the hosts suffered a 3-2 defeat to Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade in the Serbian Super Liga on Saturday.
Radnik stunned the EFBET Stadium crowd when Abubakar opened the scoring after just five minutes. The Ghanaian centre-back rose highest to convert a precise pass from Mateja Gasic, marking his first league goal of the season and giving Radnik an early advantage.
The lead was short-lived as Partizan drew level three minutes later through an unfortunate own goal by Bosnian midfielder Haris Hajdarevic. The visitors then seized control of the match, with Senegalese forward Demba Seck scoring twice between the 24th and 38th minutes to hand Partizan a 3-1 advantage at halftime.
Radnik showed resilience when Gasic reduced the deficit in stoppage time of the first half, giving the home supporters renewed hope. Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Quarshie was brought on at the start of the second half to bolster Radnik’s attacking options, but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser as Partizan held firm to claim all three points.
Abubakar has now made 19 league appearances this season for Radnik Surdulica, scoring once in the Serbian top flight, and continues to be a key figure in their defensive lineup.
