Tikvesh caused a major upset in the fifth round of the PMFL, defeating Shkendija 1:3, with N’Fanly Sila playing the starring role by scoring three goals.
The Kavadarci team claimed three valuable points against the favourites, who had been unbeaten in the new season before this match. The Tetovo side were formally the hosts this time, but the match was played at the FFM stadium.
Tikvesh opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Following a cross from the left, Sila reacted brilliantly and beat Ramani with a first-time shot to put his team ahead.
Shkendija tried to respond, but it was Tikvesh who found the net again. In the 60th minute, Sila embarked on a solo run and finished the move with a powerful shot for his second goal and a 0:2 lead.
The Tetovo side did not give up, however. Besart Ibraimi managed to find the back of the Tikvesh net with a header and bring Shkendija back into the game.
The home team then launched a full-scale attack in search of an equaliser, but this left space for Tikvesh to counterattack. Sila received an ideal opportunity, found himself one-on-one with Ramani and made no mistake, completing his hat-trick and sealing the final 1:3 scoreline.
Shkendija’s task became even more difficult towards the end, when Islami was shown a red card, leaving his team with ten men on the pitch.
Until the final whistle, Tikvesh not only managed to preserve their lead but also had a chance to make it 4:1. However, they failed to take a good opportunity, leaving the score at 3:1.
