Stefan Ristic hat-trick clinches U17 comeback and 3–2 win over Hungary
Stefan Ristic scored all three goals as North Macedonia overturned a 0–2 deficit to defeat Hungary 3:2 in Turkey.
North Macedonia's U17 national team produced a remarkable comeback to beat Hungary 3:2 in their qualifying tournament in Turkey on November 11, 2026. The win was secured by Stefan Ristic, who scored all three goals for his country.
Ristic turns the game around with late interventions
Hungary went ahead early when Horvat converted in the 8th minute, and Farkas extended the lead to 2:0 in the 48th minute. Facing a two-goal deficit, North Macedonia gradually fought their way back into the match.
Ristic opened the scoring for the visitors in the 56th minute after a pass from Pavlov, cutting the deficit to 2:1. With the game heading toward full time, Ristic levelled the score in the 86th minute from an assist by Nikolov.
The match-winner arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time, when Ristic finished off a move set up by Nedanovski to complete his hat-trick and seal a 3:2 victory.
After this triumph North Macedonia's U17 side improved its chances of advancing from the group, with two top-placed teams qualifying to the next round. The group also includes hosts Turkey and San Marino.
Starting XI for North Macedonia: Memeti, Akiki, Masev, Aksentiev, Pavlov, Ademi, Sivevski, Polimac, Velevski, Krstevski, Ristic. Players who entered: Nikolov, Polimac, Bocheski, Nedanovski, Gjorgioski.
Photo: press material from the event
