Macedonian women’s national team suffered a big defeat against Kosovo in the first match of this year’s edition of Nations League.

photo by Filip Zdraveski: A moment from the first half

Kosovo was way better side in today’s clash and deservedly won it. Although Macedonia played without the injured captain Natasha Andonova, there were still players on the field that played abroad and with big international experience.

Biqkaj scored an opener early in the match, in the sixth minute, good shot from around twelve meters and Panchurova was unable to stop the ball. In the 13th minute good opportunity for Andreevska, she took a header after assist from Maksuti, but her shot was blocked by Ramaj. Ten minutes later, Maksuti went deep into the box, she took a shot but the ball went near the far post. Three minutes before half time, great chance for Kosovo, when Paci dribbled Panchurova and made a shot but Nikolovska cleared from the line.

Only four minutes into the second half, Biqkaj doubles the lead with the great shot on assist by Fejza. Big chance in 55th minute from captain Memeti, but Panchurova made a great. Five minutes later, Mehmeti denies the shot from Rochi from outside the box. In 65th minute, Biqkaj assist for Fetaj for 3-0 and two minutes later, Metaj increase the lead after bad clearance by Nikolovska. Kosovo controlled the game till the end and had two great chances for fifth goal.

Team photo before the match; photo: FFM

February 21st, Petar Miloshevski Training Center in Skopje
 Macedonia –  Kosovo 0:4 (0:1)
Goals: 6′, 49′ Kaltrina Biqkaj, 65′ Gentiana Fetaj, 67′ Valentina Metaj
Macedonia: Viktorija Panchurova; Ane Bosheska (85′ Bojana Petkova), Sara Kolarovska, Pavlinka Nikolovska, Elena Paneska (46′ Hava Mustafa), Lenche Andreevska (71′ Biljana Paneska), Aleksandra Markovska, Simona Meijer, Marjana Naceva, (C) Gentjana Rochi (88′ Jovana Pavlovska), Ulza Maksuti (71′ Lora Sulejmani). Coach: Aleksandar Andov
Kosovo: Djellza Mehmeti; Rrezona Ramadani, Blerta Smaili, Albulena Fejza (82′ Laureta Cernaveri), Fatlinda Ramaj, Gentiana Fetaj (71′ Marigonë Tahiri), Lumbardha Misini (82′ Bardha Mahmuti), Donjeta Halilaj, Kaltrina Biqkaj, (C) Erëleta Memeti (71′ Valentina Limani), Elona Paci (63′ Valentina Metaj). Coach: Sami Sermaxhaj

Highlights:

The next match for Macedonia in the group is on April 4 on home ground against Latvia.