After the heavy knockout in Kratovo and the 0-6 defeat to Sileks on the opening day of the season, Bashkimi are seeking rehabilitation and their first points in the championship in front of their home crowd. In Kumanovo, they host an in-form Tikvesh side, who opened the season with a 5-1 triumph over Arsimi.
Despite the strength of the opposition, optimism reigns in the home camp. Rahman Asani is aware of the difficulty of the challenge, but clearly states that the objective is just one: victory in their first appearance in front of the home crowd.
„An exceptionally important clash against Tikvesh awaits us in front of our supporters. We are facing a quality and well-organised team, but Bashkimi always dictate the tempo and play with special energy at home,“ Asani said.
The Kumanovo club's management was exceptionally active in the market, completing as many as ten new signings during the transfer window. The new blood in the team is expected to significantly raise the quality and provide the desired boost. Asani believes that the combination of the new signings and the support from the stands will bring the first joy of the new season.
„We need support from the first minute to the last. We need every single fan. Together, we will go for our first victory so that the three points remain in Kumanovo,“ Asani said.
The tradition from their head-to-head encounters gives Bashkimi a slight advantage. In their eight previous meetings, the Kumanovo side have celebrated four times, the Kavadarci side have enjoyed two victories, while two matches ended without a winner.
The match in Kumanovo between Bashkimi and Tikvesh kicks off at 17:00.
