FC Noah: Discover AZ’s Conference League Rivals From Abovyan to Ararat
AZ will face FC Noah in the first leg of the Europa Conference League play-off this Thursday in Armenia. FC Noah, the reigning champions of Armenia, was established in 2017 and quickly rose to prominence within Armenian football.
FC Noah: A Brief History
Initially founded as FC Artsakh, the club won promotion to the top division in their inaugural season. After an eighth-place finish, the club was sold to Karen Abrahamyan, the former Minister of Defence. He rebranded the team as FC Noah, a name inspired by the biblical figure associated with the Ark and Mount Ararat.
Recent Success and European Journey
Under the new name, FC Noah achieved significant milestones. They secured their first Armenian Cup title in 2020, defeating Ararat-Armenia in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 5-5 draw. This victory led them to their first European venture, where they faced Kairat Almaty in the Europa League.
Despite early exits in subsequent years, including losses to KuPS from Finland, the 2024-2025 season marked their pinnacle. FC Noah clinched their first league title and a second domestic cup. Their European journey included victories over several teams, allowing them to reach the league phases of European competition.
Key Performances and Challenges
During their European campaign, FC Noah achieved notable results by defeating teams like Shkendija, Silema Wanderers, AEK Athens, and Ruzomberok. However, they faced tough competition in the league phases, finishing 31st overall but securing their first win against Mlada Boleslav.
In the 2023 season, new owner Vardes Vardanyan led the club to further success. They competed in the Champions League, defeating Buducnost Podgorica before exiting against Ferencvaros. A surprising loss to Lincoln Red Imps followed, but the team rebounded by overcoming Olimpia Ljubljana to return to the Conference League.
Current Squad and Standout Players
FC Noah boasts promising talents, including:
- Helder Ferreira: A Portuguese winger with 20 goals and 21 assists in 66 matches since joining.
- David Sualehe: A versatile left-back who has contributed six assists in 25 games this season.
- Nardin Mulahusejnovic: A Bosnian striker excelling in the Conference League, netting five goals in six appearances.
As AZ prepares to visit Armenia, they should recognize the potential of FC Noah. Though AZ enters the match as favorites, the Armenian champions have demonstrated growth and ambition, making them a formidable opponent in the Conference League.
