Macedonia’s U21 national team drew 1:1 with Montenegro in Bitola in the penultimate match of the European Championship qualifiers. For new head coach Aleksandar Tanevski, this was his official debut on the bench of the youth team.
Montenegro were the first to threaten in Bitola. Following a mistake in our defence, Vujović found space to shoot, but was not accurate. Macedonia responded in the 10th minute through Danev, who broke through the middle, but his shot was blocked.
The game continued cautiously, with many stoppages and mistakes on both sides. Macedonia registered their first shot on target in the 40th minute, when Nikolovski tried from distance, but Minić intervened without difficulty.
Just a minute later, Džekov had to produce an excellent reaction. Zejković unleashed a dangerous shot, and the Macedonian goalkeeper tipped the ball over for a corner.
Montenegro nevertheless managed to open the scoring late in the first half. Vujović brilliantly played Kostić in with a backheel, and he took advantage of the gap in our defence to beat Džekov with a first-time shot for 0:1.
Macedonia came out with much greater energy in the second half and immediately put the opposition under pressure. Danev beat Minić after a well-organised move, but the crossbar prevented a quick equaliser.
The equaliser arrived in the 58th minute. Tasovski got behind Montenegro’s last line and was brought down in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Ljatif i took responsibility and confidently converted for 1:1.
Macedonia continued to search for a second goal until the end. The best chance to complete the turnaround came in the closing stages, when substitute Mehmed headed from close range but failed to find the net.
Macedonia: Dzekov, Serafimov, Murati, Murati (Atanasovski 88ʼ), Velkov, Tasovski (Mehmed 88ʼ), Nikolovski, Arizankovski, Danev (Trpevski 76ʼ), Velichkovski (Hodza 88ʼ), Ljatifі;
Montenegro: Minic, Maras, Dakic, Damjanovic, Vukovic, Mrvaljevic (Laljevic 60ʼ), Vujovic (Kecojevic 68ʼ), Vlahovic (Radusinovic 68ʼ), Kostic (Rovcanin 90ʼ), Savovic (Carevic 68ʼ), Zekovic;
Macedonia and Montenegro shared the points in Bitola, with one point each, while our team will conclude the qualifying cycle on 5 October with an away match against Sweden.
