For the first time a UEFA Conference League league phase match took place in Macedonia after Shkëndija hosted Irish side Shelbourne in Skopje.

photo by Filip Zdraveski: first Conference League match in Skopje

Sever years after Vardar played in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, a Macedonian club eventually again appeared in a European competition in autumn. after suffered a decent 2:0 loss away to La Liga side Rayo Vallecano in the opening round, Shkëndija this evening at the National arena Todor Proeski in Skopje hosted Shelbourne, the current champion of Ireland, who is also debutante in the these phase in the European cups.

Coach Jeton Bekjiri started with Baboucarr Gaye between the posts, in the defense Ronaldo Webster, Klisman Cake, Imran Fetai and Aleksander Trumçi, in the midfield Adamu Alhassan and Arbin Zejnulai, Liridon Latifi and Frabrice Tamba as wingers, Endrit Krasniqi as trequartista and Besart Ibraimi up front. Surprisingly, Macedonian national team player Reshat Ramadani started from the bench.

The opening half saw not just no goals, but barely a chance on both sides. The few attempts did not result in a serious finishing.

On half-time Bekjiri made two substitutions, one of which was Reshat Ramadani. Shkëndija pressed more, but still could not threaten the Irish goal.

A great chance came in the 65th minute, but for the visitors. McInroy sent a cross from a free kick, found Martin in the box who headed hitting the far post.

The 2nd injury minute was underway when after a corner kick Webster took a shot and Barrett scored an own goal awarding Shkëndija a game winning goal.

The goal:

The next Conference League challenge for Shkëndija is also a home match on 6 November, this time against Polish side Jagiellonia from Białystok.