The Macedonian U21 national team opened the new qualifying cycle for the 2027 European Championship in Albania and Serbia with a defeat. In the away match in Krakow, Poland, our young footballers lost 3:0.
Macedonia started the match firmly and disciplined, the host had no chance to open the score. However, in the 22nd minute, an unfortunate own goal by Zendelovski after an action by Pienko brought the lead to Poland. By the end of the half, Macedonia had the initiative, and the most dangerous moment was Zendelovski's shot in the 42nd minute, which ended wide of the goal.
The home team started the second half much more offensively. Dzekov made two excellent saves after attempts by Pienko and Kozubal, but in the 65th minute he was powerless against Regula's wonderful shot for 2:0. Already in the 68th minute, captain Pienko increased the lead with a similar shot and set the final score at 3:0.
In the next round, Macedonia will host Italy in Bitola, while Poland will travel to Armenia.
Poland – Macedonia 3:0 (1:0)
Adrian Zendelovski 22 (own goal), Marcel Regula 65, Oskar Pietuszewski 68
Poland: 22. Slavomir Abramovich – 7. Viktor Novak, 4. Milos Maticik, 2. Igor Drapinski (70' 5. Kaczper Potulski), 3. Michael Gurgul – 11. Filip Ruzhga (63' 17. Oskar Pietuszewski), 8. Mateusz Kowalczyk, 16. Antoni Kozubal (76' 15. Filip Kochaba), 6. David Drahal (70' 18. Katzper Duda), 10. Tomas Pienko – 9. Viktor Bogac (63' 21. Marcel Regula).
Macedonia: 12. Ljupce Dzekov – 16. David Dailoski, 5. Anes Meliki, 3. Gjorge Dzekov, 19. Memetriza Hamza – 21. Dimitar Danev, 6. Matej Angelov, 8. Adrian Zendelovski (72' 15. Teodor Nikolovski), 7. Matej Gashtarov, 17. Kire Stojanov (39' 9. Mihail Taleski) – 11. Dimitar Trajkov (90' 13. Muhamed Elmas).
