Turnovo against Shkendija and Bregalnica versus Rabotnichki, that is the outcome of Monday’s draw for the semi-final pairings of the Macedonian Cup.
Rabotnichki and Shkendija, the biggest favorites for the cup trophy, avoided each other in the semis. That is the result of the draw that took place on Monday at the headquarters of the Macedonian football federation.
The first drawn pair was Turnovo against Shkendija. For the second consecutive year, Turnovo has reached the semi-finals (last season they were knocked out by Teteks at that point). Overall, this is their fourth semi-final. They have never reached the final. To change that this season, they will have to get past Shkendija. Looking at the squads, Shkendija has the best roster of all the remaining clubs left, so at Turnovo surely aren’t happy with the draw since they will be the heavy underdog. On the other hand, Shkendija wanted to avoid Rabotnichki at this stage of the competition, so their wish was fulfilled. The Tetovo based team will aim to reach their third Cup final, but they lost the previous two.
The second semi-final duel is between two teams that have a history in the cup. Back in 2013/14, Rabotnichki and Bregalnica faced off in the semis with each side winning 2:0 at home in regulation. After eight series of penalties in Shtip, eventually Rabotnichki won win 5:4 and later claimed the trophy in the final. That matchup will be the same this season as well. Just like Turnovo, Bregalnica will also be looking to make their first cup final in history.
Rabotnichki could tie Vardar for the most cup trophies if they come out on top again. This will be their seventh final in the competition and a win would give them five trophies. The remaining three teams will be looking for their first Cup trophy, or in the case of Bregalnica and Turnovo, for their first final as well.
The first leg games are scheduled for 2 March 2016 at 14.00 CET, while the return legs for 13 April at 16.00 CET. The final is set for May 29 at the “National Arena Philip II of Macedon” in Skopje.