Bulgaria U21 led twice, but left with only a point from Kosovo – BG Football – National Team

The youth national team of Bulgaria finished 2:2 in their visit to Kosovo in qualification for Euro 2025. The graduates of Alexander Dimitrov twice led in the result, but left with only a point from the visit of “Zahir Payaziti” in Poduevo. In the 7th minute, Martin Sorakov opened the scoring with a great goal, and in the 32nd, Archit Tahiri equalized. Shortly before the end of the first part, Marin Petkov led the “lion cubs” forward again. The final score set up Tahiri in the 59th minute. At the end of the match, Roberto Raichev failed to bring success to the Bulgarians, after missing from an excellent position.

Bulgaria now has 6 points in Group D, occupying third place in the provisional standings with five games played. The leader is Poland with 9 points from three matches, and Germany is second with three points less after only two matches played.

The match started excellently for the “lion cubs”. In the 7th minute, the graduates of Alexander Dimitrov organized a counterattack, during which Georgi Nikolov passed to Martin Sorakov. The Slavia striker was left uncovered in front of the penalty area and with a great fake shot into the top right corner, he left no chance for the Kosovo keeper.

The hosts created their first more dangerous situation in the 18th minute. Veton Tusha then broke in from the left and fired a powerful shot into the near corner from close range that went dangerously wide of the target. Two minutes later, the Lions launched an attack from the left, where Sorakov advanced and passed to Georgi Nikolov. The striker shot from the edge of the penalty area, but did not make it difficult for Altin Gokai.

In the 24th minute, the guests were close to a second goal. Marin Petkov with a great pass put Nikola Iliev in a shooting position. The offensive footballer looked for the far corner, but sent the ball dangerously past the goal from ten meters away.

In the 32nd minute, Kosovo scored an equalizing goal. The Bulgarian defense failed to clear the ball well, which was returned to the penalty area. The ball ended up at the feet of Ardit Tahiri, who was dropped by Hristiyan Petrov and with a shot in the left corner scored for 1:1.

In the 38th minute, Bulgaria was given the right to take a direct free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Nikola Iliev looked for the near corner, but sent the ball over the goal. Six minutes later, the “lion cubs” took the lead again. Kristian Stoyanov with an excellent pass led Marin Petkov alone against Gokai. Levski’s striker advanced with the ball and, despite the unevenness of the pitch, managed to hit a shot from about 20 meters from the goal, which hit the crossbar and went into the goal.

At the start of the second half, Petkov took a direct free kick, and the ball hit the body of a Kosovo player. In the 56th minute, Petkov passed to Nikola Iliev from the right in the penalty area, and the CSKA 1948 player made a shot that Gokai caught.

Kosovo equalized again in the 59th minute. Altin Kreziu then headed a lead pass to Florian Hosha on the left. The winger advanced and with a parallel pass found Tahiri, who from close range beat Hristov for 2:2.

In the 66th minute, Marin Petkov made a mistake in the middle of the field, which allowed Kosovo to organize a dangerous counterattack. Krasniki advanced with the ball, passed several Bulgarian footballers, entered the penalty area, where he missed the opportunity to strike, then fell after contact with Petkov, but the head referee had no reason to indicate the penalty spot.

In the 73rd minute, Arian Loukii received a penalty kick but failed to make a good shot as the ball went wide. Five minutes later, Ariane Pogrimai shot over the goal from long range. Shortly after, reserve Roberto Raichev intercepted a pass from the left, but Gokai made the save.

In the 83rd minute, Bulgaria missed a great chance for a third goal. Asen Mitkov, with a wonderful game, cut through the home team’s defense and led Roberto Raichev to a shooting position. However, the striker of Slavia from 6-7 meters alone against the goalkeeper sent the ball over the goal.

Kosovo – Bulgaria 2:2

0:1 Martin Sorakov (7)

1:1 Ardit Tahiri (32)

1:2 Marin Petkov (44)

2:2 Ardit Tahiri (59)

Kosovo: Altin Gokai, Egzon Rechhai, Amar Gerhaliu, Valon Zumberi, Florian Hosha, Adim Pogrimai, Altin Kreziu, Art Smakai, Ariane Lukii, Veton Tusha, Ardit Tahiri

Breeder: Arfim Toferlani

Bulgaria: Damian Hristov, Martin Stoychev, Atanas Chernev, Hristiyan Petrov, Simeon Vassilev, Emil Tsenov, Kristiyan Stoyanov, Martin Sorakov, Marin Petkov, Nikola Iliev, Georgi Nikolov

Breeder: Alexander Dimitrov