Zira FK played to a 1-1 draw against Shamakhi FC on April 7, 2026, with Leroy-Jacques Mickels scoring his first goal of the season. This match marked Mickels’ first full appearance for Zira FK in 2026.
Currently, Zira FK sits in fourth place in the Azerbaijan Premier League, trailing third-place Turan Tovuz by six points. With seven league matches remaining this season, the club is still in contention for a strong finish.
Mickels, who debuted for the Rwanda national team during the March FIFA window, has made a notable impact since joining Zira FK. He scored in a previous match against Turan Tovuz, contributing to a 2-0 victory after returning from international duty.
Despite the draw against Shamakhi FC, Zira FK has faced challenges at home, having not secured a victory in their last two home matches. Shamakhi FC, on the other hand, has struggled as well, with only one win in their last eight matches.
The upcoming semifinal second leg against Turan Tovuz presents Zira FK with an opportunity to pursue cup glory, adding to the significance of their remaining league matches.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the team’s strategy for the upcoming fixtures, but observers are keen to see how Zira FK will respond in the final stretch of the season.
