In the first leg of the Macedonia Cup semi-final, Shkendija from Tetovo secured a 3:2 victory over Shkendija from Arachinovo. Although the home side won, the tie remains undecided ahead of the return leg following a series of comebacks in today’s match.
The match started dynamically for the Tetovo side. A penalty was awarded to the home team in the very first attack after the visiting defence failed to intervene in time and Vane Krstevski was brought down. Trumci converted confidently from the spot to give his team a 1:0 lead.
The visitors threatened in the 10th minute from a free kick, but goalkeeper Amzai was equal to the task. After several attempts by Islami and Krstevski for the home side, Shkendija from Arachinovo managed to equalise in the 30th minute – Sharkoski delivered a cross, and Nuhiu headed precisely into the net for 1:1. Before the end of the half (43’), the visitors completed the comeback through Livareka, who scored after an excellent run to give his team a 1:2 lead.
The home side came out determined in the second half and equalised at 2:2 in their first more serious attack, through Vane Krstevski. The pressure continued, and in the 64th minute Krasniqi missed an ideal chance to put his team ahead.
However, in the 68th minute, following a cross from Krasniqi from a free kick, Anes Meliqi found the net from close range to make it 3:2.
The final 15 minutes brought great excitement. In the 75th minute, Adili came close to equalising with an outstanding solo run and a powerful shot.
In the 89th minute, Sharkoski threatened down the right, but Amzai was once again secure.
In stoppage time. Rushiti unleashed a powerful long-range shot, but goalkeeper Amzai made another successful save to preserve the Tetovo side’s victory.
The return leg (6 May) will determine who advances to the grand final, where Shkendija from Tetovo will go in with a one-goal advantage.
