Zrinjski Mostar 1 Velez Mostar 0 Bosnian Cup Final 17-5-2023

Derby Days in Bosnia.

Two teams from Mostar fought out, almost literally, the Bosnian Cup Final in Zenica and it was the mainly Croat-supported team that prevailed in a volatile atmosphere.

A single goal from the talented Mario Cuze decided the outcome much to the delight of their fans.

Thus Zrinjski completed the domestic double having already secured the league title, by some margin.

This is a derby that certainly divides (in a divided country) in terms of ethnicity, with Zrinjski supported mostly by Croats and Velez by Bosniaks.

Not only that but one set of ultras tend towards the right (those in white) and the other towards the left, the Red Army.

Hence when they meet, especially in such a final, there are sure to be some incidents.

So, we saw copious fireworks from the fans with some even being thrown onto the pitch.

Meanwhile, the football action on it, at least close to the goals, was limited in the early stages.

But the league champions Zrinjski usually looked to have the edge and defender Jakovijevic went close with a header on twenty minutes.

While Velez struggled to produce the telling pass to create decisive opportunities.

Though they started better in the second period they went behind when Mario Cuze, on loan from Dinamo Zagreb, shot past Osman Hadzikic at the far post.

He celebrated wildly with the Ultras behind the goal.

It was enough as Velez never produced sufficient quality to really trouble the Zrinjski defence.

All that remained was the final mayhem with seats being thrown by the losing fans and a mass brawl by the players ending with five red cards.

So, the Zenica Stadium will need some repairs as will the Velez players', and fans, reputations.

Report from Zenica - John Bethell.