North Macedonia U17 draw 1-1 with Luxembourg in Strumica

North Macedonia's under-17 national team played out a 1-1 draw with Luxembourg U17 in the second friendly between the sides, held on October 1, 2026 at the Pandev Training Center in Strumica.

The opening 45 minutes were even and cautious, with neither side creating a clear scoring opportunity. The teams went into the break level at 0-0.

After halftime the tempo rose. Marin Krstevski had Macedonia's best chance in the 80th minute, but he was unable to convert. As so often happens after a missed opportunity, Luxembourg struck late and took the lead in the 89th minute.

North Macedonia refused to fold. In the 91st minute, from a well-placed cross into the penalty area, Ilija Aksentiev rose highest and directed a precise header to make the score 1-1.

Coach Iljami Isejni and team usage

Coach Iljami Isejni named a mixed starting lineup for the match, selecting many players who sat on the bench in the first meeting between the teams — a match Macedonia won 4-1. During the second game he gave playing time to additional squad members from the broader group.

North Macedonia U17: 12. Dimitar Petrov, 3. Mihajlo Pavlov, 4. Stefan Stefanoski, 10. Pavel Stojanov, 13. Leart Iseini, 14. Ejser Fetai, 17. Ognen Sivevski, 18. Ron Memedi, 20. Bobi Nedanovski, 23. Blagoja Sedloski, 24. Ognen Jakov;

1. Ilan Memeti, 22. Petar Taleski, 2. Adrian Veleski, 5. Mateja Masev, 6. Amar Akiki, 7. Aleksandar Polimac, 8. Dardan Ademi, 11. Marin Krstevski, 15. Ilija Aksentiev, 16. Matej Nikolov, 19. Dalibor Markovic, 21. Aulon Kurtishi.

Luxembourg U17: 12. Fabris Hilbsh, 4. Sasa Brushel, 6. Vandir Figeiredo, 7. Diego Monteiro, 8. Dilan Ramcilovic, 11. Antenori Mashado, 14. Idson Figeiredo, 15. Luka Tankanen, 16. Diego Mililo, 19. Farell Mehlinger, 20. Harold Chuechang;

1. Rin Osario, 2. Nathan Oro, 3. Mak Memic, 5. Henry Deresa, 9. Adin Takalic, 10. Dominiko Rudzherio, 13. Tino Budzea, 17. Jan Ribeiro, 18. Jamin Gonsalves.

Photo: Rept0n1x / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)