Macedonia U21 were defeated 1:0 by the corresponding Bulgaria selection in the friendly match played in Sofia.
After an even first half, in which both teams had their moments but failed to create a more serious threat in front of the opposing goals, the hosts took the lead at the beginning of the second half. In the 50th minute, Steven Stojanchov scored the only goal of the match after a mistake by our goalkeeper, which ultimately proved decisive.
Mataj Gashtarov missed the best opportunity to equalize, failing to get a shot away at the Bulgaria goal when one-on-one with the home goalkeeper.
The Macedonian footballers tried to respond and get back on level terms, creating several promising attacks in front of the Bulgaria goal, but the finishing was lacking to change the result.
For head coach Goran Stanić's players, this was the only friendly match during the current international window. The match represented a good opportunity for the coaching staff to assess several new footballers.
Macedonia U21: Ljupche Dzekov (GK) (Vasko Vasilev), Andrija Dimeski, David Stojanoski, Redzhep Murati (Adis Murati), Gjorgje Dzekov (C), Dimitar Danev (Marko Nikolovski), Mateo Sofijanoski, Ilija Maslarov (Muhamed Elmas), Admir LjatifI, Harun Nezirovski (Nikola Manojlov), Matej Gashtarov (Dino Miholov).
