Bobi Stojkovski builds hope at Makedonija G.P. after disputed loss
A contested 82nd-minute penalty decided the match, but the coach’s young squad showed determination and potential.
The controversial defeat on Saturday — decided by an awarded, contested penalty for Pelister in the 82nd minute — left the young Makedonija G.P. squad stunned and in tears after their hard work produced no reward.
Despite the result, the home team's commitment and the "lion-like" fight on the pitch underlined a performance that, many argue, should serve as a lesson for the stronger visiting side that took an undeserved win.
Makedonija G.P. suffered its first loss of the season after recording a draw with Teteks (1:1) and an away victory at Euromilk (0:1) earlier in the campaign.
In difficult days marked by tight finances and recent relegation, coach Bobi Stojkovski has become the steady presence in Gjorche Petrov — an experienced "fox" who has assembled a group of young talents. Even with a late start to preparations, the youngsters have shown encouraging form across the three matches so far.
The squad contains promising names: creator Kristijan Stojkovski — only 19 years old — alongside Ognen Siveski, Konstantino Gorgioski (who previously played at Vardar), goalkeeper Dimovski and the experienced backbone Antonio Ilieski.
The players and coaching staff are giving their all, but the club also needs wider backing: the sponsor is disappointed after past seasons when, according to complaints, "millions" were spent for nothing. The supporters — the "lions" — remain an important external force, filling the stands and refusing to abandon the club for now.
Photo: press material from the event
