Renova will return from Belarus with a defeat of 2-1. Although Renova opened the scoreline in the first half, Dinamo Minsk managed to turn things around and eventually the match ended 2-1 for the hosts. Kostov still hopes for a surprise in the 2nd leg.

Renova travelled to Belarus with an objective not to concede. The match started slowly but towards the end of the first half it was Renova who was celebrating. Besart Ibraimi scored a goal with a long-range shot in the 41st minute and brought Renova a huge lead. That was the score on half-time. In the second half Dinamo had to open the game and push forward. After the huge opportunity missed by Renova at the beginning of the second half which could have even decided the winner, Kislyak managed to equalize the score in the 71st minute from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Kovacevic fouled Chukhlei inside the box. Just when everybody was expecting the final whistle, towards the end of the match, substitute player Strakhanovich scored the winning goal for Dinamo Minsk following an assist by the first-goal scorer. Strakhanovich debuted for Dinamoon this match and it will certainly be a debut to remember.

After the match Vlatko Kostov pointed out that he was very pleased with the produced play by his team, especially in the first half. Kostov also said that the better physically-fit side won eventually and therefore fully justified the favorites role. The manager thinks that with huge determination in the second leg Renova can make a surprise and thanked Dinamo Minsk for the excellent hospitality.

Of course, 2-1 is not a bad result for Renova and they have something to build upon for the second leg which is scheduled for 9th of July in Skopje.

Dinamo Minsk – Renova 2:1
Kislyak 71′ (p), Strakhanovich 89′ ; Ibraimi 41′
Stadium Dinamo – Minsk, Belarus.

Dinamo Minsk: Gorbunov, Gigevich (59′ Strakhanovich), Chukhlei (73′ Dragun), Kislyak, Pavlyukovich, Mbanangoye, Montaroup, Veretilo, Gavryushko (46′ Lebedev), Martynovich, Gurenko.

Renova: Kovačević, Memedi, Despotovski, Emini, Ibraimi (89′ Ademi), Aliju (90+3′ Ignjatovski), Nuhiu, Ismaili (65′ Gafuri), Statovci, Angjelovski, Stojanov.