The first leg of the quarter-final cup match between Vardar and Shkendija ended in a draw with one goal scored by each side.

photo by FK Vardar: moment of the game

Vardar hosted Shkendija for the first leg of the Macedonian Cup quarter-finals match. Visitors Shkendija started with Zahov between the posts, Adili, Musliu and Cuculi in central defense, Alimi and Totre in defensive midfield, Bejtulai and Stênio Júnior as wing backs, captain Hasani as an attacking midfielder and Ibraimi and Radeski in attack.

Vardar had Gachevski on goal, Toshevski, captain Grncharov, Novak and Glishikj in defense, Gligorov, Bitang and Juan Felipe in midfield, Blazhevski and Popzlatanov on the wings, while Barseghyan once again had the center-forward position.

The game was on a high level for a domestic match despite a lack of big opportunities. Vardar started better, but during the first half Shkendija became more aggressive, so that later on both teams played on a similar level. It took 63 minutes for the first goal. Besart Ibraimi received the ball on Vardar’s half and fired a strong and precise shot which went past Gachevski. Vardar played with more risk from that point, but wasn’t able to create a lot of chances. The equalizer came in the 79th minute when attacking midfielder Juan Felipe converted a free-kick from around 18 meters. A real beauty, goalie Zahov was without a chance.

Extended highlights:

The result is a good one for Shkendija as Vardar now has to score at least one goal in the return leg, nevertheless Shkendija won’t be happy as they had a one goal lead. The return leg is scheduled for 7 March.