Vlazrimi Struga and FK Novaci played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in an international club friendly on Wednesday evening, with both sides showing attacking intent but also defensive vulnerability. The match swung one way and then the other before ending all square, leaving both managers with plenty to ponder.

Match Overview

The game started at a frantic pace, with Vlazrimi Struga taking the lead in the 14th minute through a neat finish from Besart Ibraimi, who converted a low cross from the right. FK Novaci responded well and equalised in the 39th minute when Nikola Stojanovski headed home a corner. The first half ended level, but the second half produced more goals and plenty of drama.

Struga regained the advantage in the 61st minute with a stunning individual effort from Ardit Rexhepi, who beat two defenders before curling the ball into the far corner. However, Novaci refused to lie down, and they equalised for a second time in the 84th minute through substitute Martin Donev, who poked home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Key Moments

• 14’ – Besart Ibraimi fires Vlazrimi Struga into an early lead with a composed finish.
• 39’ – Nikola Stojanovski heads FK Novaci level from a well-delivered corner.
• 61’ – Ardit Rexhepi scores a brilliant solo goal to restore Struga’s advantage.
• 84’ – Martin Donev equalises for Novaci, converting from close range after a scramble.

Tactical Story

Both teams approached the friendly with an attacking mindset, which made for an open and end-to-end contest. Vlazrimi Struga favoured a 4-3-3 formation, using their wingers to stretch the Novaci defence and create crossing opportunities. FK Novaci, meanwhile, lined up in a 4-4-2 and looked to press high, forcing turnovers in the final third and launching quick counter-attacks.

The midfield battle was evenly contested, with both sides guilty of leaving gaps between defence and midfield. That space was exploited repeatedly, leading to a high number of chances at both ends. Defensively, both teams showed signs of rustiness, which is understandable at this stage of pre-season preparations. The substitutions in the second half disrupted the rhythm slightly, but the game remained competitive until the final whistle.

Standout Players

Ardit Rexhepi was the most eye-catching performer on the pitch, with his solo goal a moment of genuine quality. Besart Ibraimi also impressed with his movement and link-up play. For FK Novaci, Nikola Stojanovski was a constant threat in the air and took his goal well, while substitute Martin Donev made an immediate impact with the equaliser.

Pre-Season Impact

Both managers will have mixed feelings about this result. Vlazrimi Struga showed plenty of attacking flair but will be concerned about conceding twice, especially from a set-piece and a late scramble. FK Novaci demonstrated excellent resilience to come from behind twice, but they also allowed their opponents too many clear chances. With the new season on the horizon, both sides will use this performance as a learning experience and will look to tighten up defensively in their remaining friendly fixtures.