North Macedonia U21 2–3 Russia — four penalties decide friendly
Four of the five goals were penalties; referee Igor Stojchevski repeatedly awarded spot-kicks and Aleksandar Tanevski’s first match ended in defeat.
North Macedonia U21 lost 2:3 to Russia in a friendly played on 28 September 2026 at the Football Federation of North Macedonia complex in Skopje, handing new head coach Aleksandar Tanevski a defeat in his first match in charge.
The game was dominated by spot-kicks: four of the five goals came from penalties. Referee Igor Stojchevski was repeatedly in the spotlight for awarding fouls from the penalty spot — observers even said he kept "blowing" penalties. "Indeed, the penalties were 'ridiculous', but that's that," the post-match reaction read.
North Macedonia had clear opportunities during the match, including big chances for Mehmed, Maslarov and Manojlov, but Russia struck first when Okishor converted a penalty. In the 57th minute Bober made it 0:2, also from the spot.
Substitute Tashovski pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 79th minute to make it 1:2, but Ahmedov restored a two-goal cushion just two minutes later for 1:3. The final 2:3 scoreline came from another Tashovski penalty — his second of the night.
Goalkeeper Vrgov stood out for the hosts with several notable saves.
Lineups
- North Macedonia starters: Vrgov, Radeski, Velkov, Murati, Atanasovski, Shabotic, Maslarov, Hodzha, Manojlov, Dzhangarovski, Mehmed.
- North Macedonia substitutes used: Mitrev, Tanchev, Dimovski, Trpevski, Arifi, Tashev, Tashovski.
- Russia starters: Terekovski, Babakin, Platonov, Brdachev, Kmarin, Umnikov, Komissarev, Bondarev, Pomalyuk, Okishor, Bober.
- Russia substitutes used: Kondakov, Popolitov, Glotov, Chevardin, Kasadjikov, Ahmedov.
Competitive action resumes quickly for North Macedonia U21: on 1 October 2026 they host Montenegro in Bitola in a Euro qualifier, and four days later, on 5 October 2026, they travel to Sweden for another qualifying fixture.
Photo: press material from the event
