Shkëndija lost 1:3 to Tikveš in the First League's sixth round on Friday evening. The hosts began the match on a perfect note, having won all five previous games, but could not hold their lead against a visitors' side that had dropped just one point this season. The final score puts Tikveš level on points with the league leaders.
The opening goal came at minute 19, when Shkëndija took the lead and looked comfortable. By then the hosts had 63 per cent of possession and were controlling the tempo. Tikveš stayed compact, waiting for a chance to strike, and they found one at minute 60 when the visitors finally got on the scoresheet.
The momentum shifted quickly after that. Tikveš scored again at minute 68 and then added a third at minute 72, leaving Shkëndija chasing the game. Three yellow cards for the hosts — at minutes 36, 58 and 67 — told the story of a side growing increasingly desperate. Tikveš picked up two yellows of their own at 53 and 62.
The statistics showed the contrast in approach. Shkëndija had five corners and 15 free kicks but managed only two shots on target from six attempts. Tikveš earned just two corners yet hit the target eight times, converting three of their efforts into goals. They were out of sight by half-time, and the hosts never really found a way back into it.
Before the match we had backed Shkëndija to win, with 65 per cent confidence. The prediction did not come off. What broke it was Tikveš's efficiency — they kept knocking on the door and eventually the net bulged three times. Shkëndija's perfect run now has a blemish.
The result changes the table picture. Shkëndija remain top with 15 points from five games, but Tikveš close the gap with 11 points after their first defeat of the campaign. The visitors had drawn their last two matches against Vardar Skopje and Skopje before this win.
