33 years since North Macedonia’s first match — 4-1 win in Kranj (13 October 1993)

On 13 October 1993 North Macedonia played the first match in its international history — a 4-1 victory in Kranj that is still remembered for the early breakthrough and the squad led by captain Darko Panchev.

Match and scorers

Zoran "Choko" Boskovski opened the scoring in the 3rd minute after an assist from Panchev, and Panchev himself added a goal in the 37th minute. Slovenia pulled one back through Janez Pate in the 40th minute, but North Macedonia extended the lead after the interval: Chedomir (Chede) Janevski converted a penalty in the 48th minute and Dragan Kanatlarovski scored in the 51st.

The lineup that night in Kranj featured: Zoran Micevski, Kire Grozdanov, Chedomir Janevski, Zoran Jovanovski, Ilija Najdoski, Ljupcho Markovski, Boban Babunski, Dragan Kanatlarovski, Toni Micevski, Zoran Boskovski and Darko Panchev. Substitutes who also saw play were Vancho Micevski, Goran Georgievski, Sasho Milosevski and Nejmedin Memedi. The team was coached by Andon Donchevski.

That early goal by Boskovski, set up by Panchev, is still replayed in memories and highlights: a moment that marked the start of a national team people could proudly call their own.

Looking back 33 years later there is also a critical note — the national side has not always matched the promise of that debut. Statistically, "now, after 33 years we cannot score for as many as 782 minutes, and under Sedloski as coach eight matches or 720 minutes" — figures that underline how difficult finding goals and wins has been in some recent stretches.

Despite later achievements — a single European Championship qualification and two World Cup playoff appearances — the 1-4 result in Kranj remains a high-water mark for early pride and a moment fans still recall whenever 13 October comes around.

Photo: press material from the event