Bizoza’s stoppage-time winner completes Panevėžys comeback against Banga

The opening half was a scrappy affair, with both teams struggling to establish a consistent attacking rhythm and frequently surrendering possession through misplaced passes and technical errors.

Clear-cut opportunities were limited. Bizoza tested Banga goalkeeper Volodymyr Krynskyi, who comfortably collected his effort, while at the opposite end, Panevėžys goalkeeper Vytautas Černiauskas dealt with several attempts from distance.

Despite the lack of attacking quality, Banga managed to break the deadlock in the 44th minute. A long pass released Aaron Appiah, who held off the opposition defenders before producing a precise finish inside the penalty area. It was Banga’s first goal against Panevėžys this season and gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into the interval.

Panevėžys emerged with greater attacking intent after the restart, increasing the pressure on Banga’s defensive line as they searched for an equaliser.

Their improved performance was rewarded in the 58th minute. A set-piece delivery caused confusion inside the visitors’ penalty area, and Kerkez took advantage of the resulting scramble to find the net and restore parity.

The hosts almost completed the turnaround shortly afterwards when Matas Ramanauskas found himself in an excellent scoring position. However, Krynskyi produced an important save to prevent Panevėžys from taking the lead.

With the score level, both teams continued searching for a decisive goal, although Banga created the better opportunities as the contest approached its conclusion. Černiauskas was called upon to make two excellent saves in quick succession, keeping Panevėžys in the match when the visitors threatened to regain their advantage.

Appiah, who had opened the scoring in the first half, also had an opportunity to restore Banga’s lead but failed to convert, leaving the outcome uncertain heading into stoppage time.

Those missed chances ultimately proved costly. In the third minute of added time, Banga’s defensive mistakes presented Bizoza with an opportunity, and the Panevėžys midfielder made no mistake, scoring the winner to complete the hosts’ second-half comeback. It was the 27-year-old Burundi National first goal of the season.

The victory marked Panevėžys’ fourth win in their last five matches, continuing their impressive run of form as they climb towards mid-table. With four games remaining, Panevėžys sit seventh in the Toplyga standings with 35 points, just six behind fifth-placed Banga.