Zakarić rescues Vardar with stoppage‑time winner at Skopje

On October 11, 2026, Goran Zakarić proved decisive as current champions Vardar overturned Skopje to win 2:1 in Avtokomanda, scoring both goals for the visitors.

Late drama and a double from Zakarić

Skopje opened the scoring after a right-side move finished by Bozhinovski’s assist to Gordić, and in the scramble Manevski handled while trying to intervene and the ball ended up in the net. The referee Furkan Idrizi checked the action on the monitor but chose not to award a penalty.

In the 26th minute Ali Adem broke down the right and set up Viktor Angelov, who finished for a 1:0 lead that put the champions under pressure.

Vardar fought back and their experienced forward Goran Zakarić first levelled the score in the second half after a sequence that began with Omeragić’s pass to Pireš; Pireš found Zakarić on the second post and the striker converted past a badly positioned Naumovski.

Throughout the match Vardar kept pressing while Skopje threatened on counterattacks through Angelov and Bozhinovski, but the home side could not extend their advantage.

In stoppage time Manevski provided a superb assist and Zakarić, in almost the same movement as his earlier equaliser, headed the ball to secure the 2:1 victory — his seventh goal of the season and a priceless three points for Vardar.

Photo: press material from the event