Pécsi MFC vs Kozarmisleny FC

Both managers used the occasion to give every outfield player a full 45 minutes, fielding entirely different lineups in each half. The first period was a cagey affair dominated by midfield probing, with neither side able to carve out a clear-cut chance until the 18th minute, when Novák was fouled 25 yards from goal after turning his marker. Horváth's free-kick flew just over the bar.

The best chance of the first half fell to Novák again just past the midway point: a clever turn and feint inside the box freed him on the right, but his left-footed shot towards the far post was smartly saved by the Kozármisleny goalkeeper.

Kozármisleny struck first after the restart. In the 50th minute, a long ball caught the PMFC defence out of shape. Gellér controlled expertly, took a touch to set himself, and lifted the ball over the onrushing Kovács to make it 1-0.

PMFC responded in the 64th minute. Hegedűs drove down the left flank with purpose and picked out Babati, who had timed his run between the centre-backs. From eight yards out and slightly wide, Babati hooked a glorious left-footed finish with the outside of his boot into the far top corner — a goal worthy of winning any match.

Babati's equaliser in the 64th minute shifted the momentum decisively. PMFC had looked second-best in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, but the goal galvanised them. Within three minutes of levelling, Babati almost completed the turnaround when his 25-yard free-kick forced a diving save from the Kozármisleny goalkeeper. The hosts had their own chance to snatch victory on the counter in the 78th minute but fired wide from close range.

Babati (PMFC) — One goal, one free-kick that forced a top save, and a constant threat after coming on at half-time. His finish was the standout moment of the game.

Novák (PMFC) — The most dangerous player in the first half. He was a reliable outlet, held the ball up well, created the pre-assist for the free-kick chance, and forced a fine save from the Kozármisleny keeper.

Gellér (Kozármisleny) — Took his goal with composure beyond a standard pre-season effort, showing a cool head to lift the ball over Kovács after a well-timed run.

Varasdi (PMFC) — The first-half goalkeeper had little to do but made a crucial stop on a Kozármisleny counter-attack right before the interval, keeping the score at 0-0.

The head-to-head record between these sides has been tight: 3 wins each and 3 draws from 9 meetings since 2014, with an average of 2.78 goals per game. The 1-1 scoreline aligns with that pattern. The goalless first half (0-0 at the break) was partly a product of pre-season conditions — both sides were visibly feeling the effects of two weeks of hard training, as PMFC's match report noted. The second half's two goals came in a 14-minute spell, suggesting the pace picked up as legs tired and defensive organisation loosened with wholesale changes.

This was the first of four pre-season friendlies for PMFC, who play in the Hungarian NB III. They face Videoton FC Fehérvár on 8 July, followed by NK BSK Bijelo Brdo (11 July) and HNK Vukovar 1991 (18 July). For Kozármisleny, who compete in the second-tier NB II, the draw provides a solid starting point for their own pre-season preparations. The 1-1 result will satisfy neither side fully but serves its purpose at this early stage of pre-season.

A typical pre-season friendly: two separate lineups, clear fitness work in the legs, and flashes of quality that will encourage both coaching staffs. Babati's goal will be remembered longer than the result itself, and the competitive edge in the closing stages suggests both managers got the workout they wanted.

Attendance: 250 | Venue: Feleki Attila Sportközpont, Kozármisleny