The Second League got things underway, one week after the top division, with debutants Ljubanci making an impressive start by humiliating Gorno Lisiche.
Newly promoted side Ljubanci will have good memories of their first ever Second League match as they destroyed Gorno Lisiche 5:0. Ljubanci, who was loaned several players by Vardar, signaled its intent and ambition this season. Ljubanci led 3:0 at the 30th minute mark, which also saw Gorno Lisiche go down to 9 men. Arsim Ljamalari was sent off early in the 5th minute when he made a penalty. Captain Stojan Stojchevski failed to score as keeper but Mitev brought the lead on rebound. Later Sashko Ristov joined Ljamalari in the locker room as he was also given his marching orders in the 28th minute. Five different players scores for Ljubanci.
Highlights:
Makedonija Gjorche Petrov, meanwhile, successfully began their journey with a narrow road win over Kozhuv Miravci, a tough side to beat at home. Kozhuf Miravci even played Vardar very tough in the Macedonian Cup earlier this week, only losing 1:0, and that also happened to be the score in this game. Kristijan Stojkoski netted the lone goal for Makedonija GjP.
Gostivar, who failed to secure promotion last season by losing the play-off to Turnovo, started the new season with a disappointing result. Gostivar could only settle for a point in the goalless draw against Skopje.
The most highly anticipated game of the first round took place in Prilep between two well known teams in Pobeda and Teteks. These are two storied clubs in Macedonia that now compete in the second division. Pobeda and Teteks eventually shared the points in a 1:1 draw. Nikolche Sharkoski gave the hosts the lead shortly after the half hour mark, but Jovan Popzlatanov equalizer just before halftime.
Pobeda’s goal:
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Teteks’ goal
The opening round was concluded on Sunday when Vlazrimi 77 hosted Pelister, another well known club that finds itself in the second tier of Macedonian football. The game ended in a 1:1 draw with both goals being scored late in the match.
Round 1 results:
Kozhuf Miravci – Makedonija GjP 0:1 (0:0)
55′ Kristijan Stojkoski
Gostivar – Skopje 0:0
Pobeda – Teteks 1:1 (1:1)
32′ Nikolche Sharkoski – 45’+1 Jovan Popzlatanov
Ljubanci – Gorno Lisiche 5:0 (3:0)
5′ Robert Mitev, 16′ Filip Kolekjeski, 30′ Darko Lazarevski, 58′ Tihomir Fidanoski, 82′ Teodor Fidanoski
Played on Sunday:
Vlazrimi 77 – Pelister 1:1 (0:0)
90′ Vlorian Ismaili – 77′ Burhan Mustafov