Shkëndija seeks to end mini‑crisis against in‑form Bashkimi

Shkëndija aim to snap a short slump when they host in-form Bashkimi in Gostivar on 18 September 2026 at 16:00, seeking a response after two disappointing rounds.

From 'five out of five' to a wobble at the top

Only two rounds ago the mood in Shkëndija's camp was buoyant — "Pet od pet" and a comfortable points cushion over rivals, especially Vardar. Since then the Tetovo side lost at home to Tikvesh and drew with Arsimi in a match they had led 0:2, collecting just one point from a possible six. The leader is no longer entirely secure, sitting only +2 above Struga TL and +3 above Shkëndija Arcinovo.

"It is clear that we are in a mini‑crisis, which is normal for teams that have been playing in Europe for a long time like Shkëndija. Fatigue is natural. Still, here's a chance today to celebrate. We respect Bashkimi, a team that has been playing excellently recently, but if we are the real us there should be no problems for us," said Shkëndija striker Besart Ibraimi.

Bashkimi arrive in confident form. The Kumanovo side picked up four points in their last two matches against Skopje and Vardar, and this Bashkimi is not the same team from two to three weeks ago.

"Whenever you play against Shkëndija the atmosphere is specific. We face a team with championship ambitions and a quality squad, but we do not raise the white flag. In this match we enter to secure a positive result," said Bashkimi player Andri Stafa.

Kickoff in Gostivar is scheduled for 16:00; Shkëndija will be looking to arrest their slide while Bashkimi aim to build on recent momentum.

Photo: press material from the event