Kavadarci Gears Up for Big Clash: Tikvesh Host Vardar
Tikvesh host Vardar at Kavadarci City Stadium on 31 August 2026 in the final match of Round 5; fans and form lines raise the stakes.
Today, August 31, 2026, at 17:00 (5:00 PM) the final match of Round 5 in the Macedonian First League will be played at the Kavadarci City Stadium as Tikvesh host Vardar in a fixture that has drawn wide attention across the domestic football scene.
The game arrives after Friday's encounter in Kratovo, where Shkendija defeated Sileks, and promises extra intensity both because of a prolonged heatwave that has gripped the country for about a month and because a significant crowd is expected in Kavadarci. The home supporters — "Lozari" — have been preparing for days and demand a maximum effort from their players.
Form and stakes
Vardar approach the match as favourites but carry pressure: following two defeats to Shkendija and Struga TL, the champion regained some pride with a convincing victory over Sileks. A loss in Kavadarci would leave Vardar nine points adrift of league leader Shkendija after five rounds — a serious blow to the club's image and supporters' pride.
Tikvesh have started the season strongly. They recorded convincing wins in their opening two fixtures, then suffered a setback at home against Shkendija Arachinovo, and last round played a 1:1 away draw at Skopje. With a squad that includes several foreign players alongside new domestic reinforcements and under coach Oliver Bogatinov, Tikvesh look capable of taking at least a point — and possibly all three — against Vardar.
Recent clashes between Tikvesh and Vardar, especially in Kavadarci, have often been entertaining and hard-fought, raising expectations that this afternoon's match will be similarly competitive. The local atmosphere, the weather and the form lines of both teams all point to a high-stakes evening for fans and players alike.
Photo: press material from the event
