Shkendija Aracinovo and Sileks played out a dramatic match at the stadium in Chair, which ended without a winner at 1-1 (1-0). In a duel featuring two awarded penalties, several fine saves and a VAR intervention, both teams had to settle for a point apiece.
The first half brought cautious play from both sides and few clear-cut chances, but the hosts were the first to break the deadlock. In the 32nd minute, after an illegal challenge in Sileks' penalty area, a penalty was awarded to the Aracinovo side. Captain Besir Demiri took responsibility and kept his composure from the spot to make it 1-0 — writing history with Shkendija Aracinovo's first goal in the Macedonian top flight.
Shkendija had a chance to extend their lead in the 40th minute through Simonovski, who fired just over the crossbar following a corner. Just before the end of the first half, Sileks found the back of the hosts' net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The second half brought significantly more dynamic football. The Kratovo side came out more offensively and threatened through Bogdanovski in the 57th minute and Mishov in the 65th, but the home goalkeeper, Stolevski, kept a clean sheet with excellent saves.
There was genuine drama in the final 15 minutes of the match. In the 78th minute, Shkendija missed a colossal chance to settle the match — Livareka hit the post from just five metres after Kerimi's cross. Immediately at the other end, Stolevski became a hero for the hosts, saving Bogdanovski's penalty.
Nevertheless, the visitors' pressure paid off in the 82nd minute. After reviewing the VAR footage, the referee pointed to the spot following Sharkoski's foul on Bogdanovski. This time, Hasukiq made no mistake, sending Stolevski one way and the ball the other for a final score of 1-1.
In the next round, Shkendija Aracinovo visit Tikvesh in Kavadarci, while Sileks host Skopje.
