The Macedonia Under-17 national team played out a 1:1 draw against Luxembourg’s corresponding selection in the second friendly between the two teams, played at the Pandev training centre in Strumica.
The first half was played at a calm pace, with the teams initially sizing each other up and neither side creating any particularly clear chances. The teams went into the break with the score at 0:0.
The tempo increased in the second half, with Macedonia’s biggest opportunity falling to Marin Krstevski in the 80th minute. However, as if following some unwritten rule, the missed chance was followed by punishment, as Luxembourg took a 0:1 lead with a goal in the 89th minute.
Our young footballers did not give up and responded quickly. Already in the 91st minute, following an excellent cross into the opponents’ penalty area, Ilija Aksentiev rose highest and, with a precise header, set the final score at 1:1.
Head coach Iljami Iseini started the match with a mixed line-up, namely with the players who had been on the bench in the first match, which we won convincingly 4:1. During the remainder of the game, he also gave playing time to the other national-team players.
Macedonia U17: 12. Dimitar Petrov, 3. Mihajlo Pavlov, 4. Stefan Stefanoski, 10. Pavel Stojanov, 13. Leart Iseini, 14. Ejser Fetai, 17. Ognen Sivevski, 18. Ron Memedi, 20. Bobi Nedanovski, 23. Blagoja Sedloski, 24. Ognen Jakov;
1. Ilan Memeti, 22. Petar Taleski, 2. Adrian Veleski, 5. Mateja Masev, 6. Amar Akiki, 7 Aleksandar Polimac, 8 Dardan Ademi, 11 Marin Krstevski, 15 Ilija Aksentiev, 16 Matej Nikolov, 19 Dalibor Markovikj, 21 Aulon Kurtishi;
Luxembourg Under-17: 12. Fabrice Hilbsh, 4. Sasha Brushel, 6. Wandir Figueiredo, 7. Diego Monteiro, 8. Dylan Ramchilovich, 11. Antenori Machado, 14. Edson Figueiredo, 15. Luka Tankanen, 16. Diego Mililo, 19. Farrell Mehlinger, 20. Harold Chuechang;
1. Rin Osario, 2. Nathan Oro, 3. Mak Memikj, 5. Henry Deresa, 9. Adin Takalikj, 10. Dominico Rudgerio, 13. Tino Budzheja, 17. Jan Ribeiro, 18. Dzhamin Gonsalves;
