Lokomotiv Sofia vs Drita

Drita took a surprise lead in the 17th minute through striker Arb Manaj, who capitalised on an early lapse in the Lokomotiv defence. The Kosovan side, champions of the Football Superleague of Kosovo, carried that advantage into half-time (1-0) after both sides created one decent chance apiece before the break.

Penev made a wholesale change at half-time, fielding an entirely different outfield XI for the second period — a common sight in early pre-season. The switch paid off in the 62nd minute when Erol Dost found the net to restore parity.

With the momentum shifting and heavy conditions in Bansko taking their toll, Lokomotiv pushed for a winner. It arrived in the fourth minute of added time through Papazov, a recent arrival at the club, who turned home to complete the 2-1 turnaround.

Penev's 11-man substitution at half-time transformed the game. The first-half XI struggled to impose themselves against a well-organised Drita side, but the fresh legs introduced after the break — including goalscorers Dost and Papazov — wrestled control of midfield and pinned Drita back. The heavy conditions and early stage of pre-season meant Lokomotiv's deeper squad proved decisive.

Erol Dost — the midfielder's 62nd-minute equaliser was the catalyst. He was one of the second-half arrivals who raised the tempo.

Mark-Emilio Papazov — the new signing made an instant impression with a stoppage-time winner on his first appearance for the club. A timely finish that will do his confidence no harm.

Arb Manaj (Drita) — the Drita striker was sharp early on, taking his 17th-minute chance well. He faded as Lokomotiv took over in the second half.

Player of the match: Mark-Emilio Papazov — his 94th-minute winner decided the game.

No detailed xG or shot data is available for this pre-season fixture, but the half-time scoreline (0-1) versus the full-time result (2-1) tells the story: Drita were good value for their lead after 45 minutes, while Lokomotiv's second-half dominance — driven by 11 substitutions — produced 2.0 goals from a more aggressive press. Penev's side were arguably the better team only after the break, and the comeback flatters the overall balance of play.

Penev, appointed on 10 June 2026, has his first win on the board in what is effectively a warm-up for the new domestic season. Lokomotiv Sofia continue their Bansko camp with further friendlies: against Botosani on 1 July and Dukagjini on 4 July. Drita, meanwhile, are also in pre-season preparation for the Kosovan Superleague campaign.

For a betting audience, the result offers an early signal: Penev's Lokomotiv have squad depth and resilience, though the first-half performance against a side Drita were expected to beat will need tightening before competitive action begins.

A pre-season friendly decided by squad rotation and a late winner. Penev will take the result but the performance was split — flat before half-time, assertive after it. The margin flattered Lokomotiv slightly, but the comeback spirit and Papazov's debut goal are genuine positives.