Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani made an immediate impact on his debut for Kazakhstan’s Aktobe, providing an assist and helping his new side secure their first win of the season.
The 39-year-old Nani came on in the 70th minute of Aktobe’s opening-round match against Tobol with the hosts already leading 3–0. Just three minutes later, the Portuguese veteran delivered a precise cross into the box for 33-year-old Ukrainian defender Ivan Ordets, who scored Aktobe’s fourth goal of the game.
Tobol managed only a consolation goal as the match ended 4–1. Aktobe had been playing with an extra man since the end of the first half.
Aktobe’s third goal was scored by another veteran, 36-year-old Timur Dosmagambetov.
Nani, Ordets and Dosmagambetov all joined Aktobe earlier this year. The club recently received new investment, raising expectations ahead of the new season. Nani’s arrival, along with former Chelsea winger Victor Moses joining Kazakhstan’s Kaisar, became one of the most high-profile transfer stories in the history of the Kazakhstan Premier League and brought wider international attention to Kazakh football.