Vardar will take a five point lead over Shkendija heading into the winter break after both teams cruised on Thursday, while Rabotnichki could not solve Metalurg to settle for yet another draw.

At a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday, Boban Babunski was joined by two Japanese businessmen to announce the acquisition of Rabotnichki.

There were several new names on the U21 national team for their upcoming two games later this month.

There were no major surprises among the Macedonian players, based in the domestic league, that were summoned by Igor Angelovski for the upcoming two games, first against the best foreigners in Macedonia and then a select U21 side.

Vardar held on late to salvage a point against Rabotnichki, Sileks handed Shkendija its second loss of the season, while Shkupi exploded for five goals versus Mladost.

Bregalnica, Rabotnichki, Shkendija and Turnovo are the four teams heading to the semi-finals in the 24th edition of the Macedonian Cup.

Despite the recent good results, Metalurg is facing difficult timers as the players were on strike due to unpaid wages. As a result, five of them had their contracts terminated by the board.

Vardar returned to their winning ways against Renova, Shkendija and Rabotnichki settled for a hard fought draw, while the same was true for Shkupi and Sileks.

Pelister was surprised by Gorno Lisiche, Vlazrimi 77 defeated Pobeda, while Makedonija GjP destroyed Gostivar to tie Ljubanci at the top of the table.