The Armenian U21 National Team suffered a defeat Thursday as North Macedonia collected all three points in matchweek eight of the UEFA U-21 European Qualifiers. Things started brightly for Armenia as Erik Simonyan’s header found the back of the net in the 9th minute of the match. However, their lead did not last long as Metodi Maksimov was able to equalize in the 22nd minute for North Macedonia.
Both sides were able to create chances in the rest of the second half but were unable to break the deadlock. The two squads went into the halftime break tied up at 1-1. The match stayed tight throughout the second half with both teams threatening to take the lead. North Macedonia’s pressure eventually took over as they took a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute courtesy of second half substitute Mario Ilievski. He was only on the field for 10 minutes before he was able to give his side the lead.
Things went from bad to worse for Armenia as North Macedonia were awarded a penalty kick in the late stages of stoppage time. Sefer Emini stepped up to score the penalty to double North Macedonia’s lead and seal all three points.
Armenia’s loss brings their record to (1-0-7) in their qualifying group. They currently sit at the bottom of the group. They face France next Monday June 6th.
