Novi Pazar defeat Vojvodina despite playing with ten men

Novi Pazar defeated Vojvodina 2-0 in the fifth round of the Serbian SuperLiga. Kaheim Dixon scored in the first half, while Fejsal Mulic added the second goal after the break. The home side protected its lead despite receiving a red card.

Vojvodina created enough chances to change the match but failed to score. Novi Pazar goalkeeper Matijasevic made eight saves across the full game. His work became especially important after Skima Togbe left the field.

Dixon converted the first clear opening

Novi Pazar moved ahead in the 18th minute. Daouda Agvom supplied the pass, and Dixon completed the attack. The early goal allowed the home side to defend a lead for most of the match. Vojvodina responded with sustained attacks within several minutes. Crnomarkovic reached a promising position during a quick attack, but his effort struck the post. The chance showed that the visitors could enter dangerous areas. The visitors then held more of the initiative. Novi Pazar stayed organised and carried the advantage into half-time. The score remained 1-0 because neither team completed another attack before the interval.

The opening period produced two different forms of pressure. Novi Pazar used its first major chance, while Vojvodina hit the frame of the goal. Finishing created the difference on the scoreboard. Dixon's goal also shaped the second half. Vojvodina needed to attack, while Novi Pazar had space for direct passes. That pattern remained important after the home team lost one player.

Togbe received a direct red card

Novi Pazar players celebrate together during a 2026 match against Vojvodina.

Skima Togbe entered the match at half-time for Novi Pazar.

Nine minutes later, the referee showed him a direct red card. His raised foot caught an opposing player near the shoulder. The video review supported the decision. Novi Pazar therefore played with ten men for roughly the final 40 minutes. The dismissal changed the number of players but did not change the score. Vojvodina moved more players forward after the red card. The visitors had longer attacking periods and several close efforts. Novi Pazar defended deeper while waiting for a chance to counterattack.

Playing with an extra player gave Vojvodina more passing options. It did not guarantee a goal. The visitors still needed accurate finishing against Matijasevic and the defenders in front of him. Novi Pazar reduced open space near its penalty area. Players blocked shots and followed runners through repeated attacks. The defensive work preserved Dixon's first-half goal during the busiest period.

Three chances in one attack brought no equaliser

Vojvodina came especially close during the 64th minute. Randjelovic took the first shot, but Matijasevic made the save. Novi Pazar defenders then stopped an effort from Nardin Mulahusejnovic. Mulahusejnovic reached the ball again and produced another attempt. Hadzimujovic cleared the header from the goal line. The ball then struck the crossbar and returned to the field. The sequence contained three opportunities within several seconds. Vojvodina still could not complete the move with a goal. Novi Pazar combined a goalkeeper save, a block and a goal-line clearance.

Matijasevic continued to face shots during the remaining minutes.

He finished the match with eight saves. Two late stops prevented Vojvodina from reducing the deficit. The numbers explain an important part of the result. Vojvodina produced pressure, but every shot either missed or met a defender. Novi Pazar's work near the goal turned that pressure into a scoreless match for the visitors.

Mulic completed the result in the 80th minute

Novi Pazar scored its second goal ten minutes before the end. Vojvodina goalkeeper Dragan Rosic left his penalty area while trying to reach a pass intended for Dixon. He did not collect the ball. Dixon recognised the open space and passed to Fejsal Mulic. The forward sent the ball into the unguarded net. The move gave Novi Pazar a two-goal advantage while still playing with ten men. The second goal placed Vojvodina under greater time pressure. The visitors continued attacking, but Matijasevic denied their remaining efforts. Novi Pazar completed the match without conceding.

The victory was Novi Pazar's second league win of the season. The club moved to seven points and sixth place after five rounds. Vojvodina remained on nine points after its second defeat. Completed actions decided the match more than possession or numerical advantage. Dixon scored, assisted Mulic and helped create both goals. Matijasevic protected the result with eight confirmed saves.