Good luck, Shkëndija! Every Albanian heart is with you—for victory, the comeback and qualification!
Shkëndija of Tetovo will play one of its most important matches of the season on Thursday. The Red and Blacks will host NK Bravo at the Todor Proeski Arena in Skopje in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League’s second qualifying round.
The match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on RTVM2. Shkëndija must overturn a 2–1 first-leg defeat in Slovenia to secure a place in the third qualifying round.
The Albanian club produced a strong performance in the opening match, creating chances, controlling parts of the contest and taking the lead. However, missed opportunities and several defensive lapses allowed Bravo to turn the result around.
Everything remains open. With greater efficiency in front of goal and powerful support from the stands, Shkëndija believes it can complete the comeback.
Pollozhani: We must be more clinical in front of goal
Head coach Artim Pollozhani has demanded maximum concentration and greater accuracy in the decisive moments. He emphasized that playing attractive football is not enough in a knockout tie because the result ultimately determines qualification.
“We are going onto the pitch to win the match. This time, the result is extremely important, but so is the way we try to achieve victory,” Pollozhani said.
The coach was satisfied with his team’s overall performance in Slovenia but admitted that Shkëndija was not clinical enough in front of goal.
“We played a good match in Slovenia from a tactical and technical perspective, but we lacked the final touch. We must be more clinical because this is a knockout tie. If you play well, you must also finish your opportunities.”
Islami: Our only objective is victory
Midfielder Drilon Islami confirmed that the atmosphere within the squad is very positive. He said the players have prepared thoroughly and fully believe they can overturn the deficit.
“The atmosphere in the group is very good, and our only objective is to win and advance to the next round. We have prepared as well as possible and will give everything to turn the result around,” Islami said.
The midfielder hopes the Red and Blacks will also have a little more luck this time, particularly in front of goal.
“We were missing the goal in the previous match. I believe we will be more clinical this time. Everyone at the club is optimistic that we can overturn the result and qualify.”
Free admission as supporters prepare to become the 12th player
To create an electric atmosphere in Skopje, Shkëndija’s management has announced that admission to the stadium will be free for all supporters.
Pollozhani described the decision as an excellent gesture, highlighting the special bond between the club and its fans.
“The club and its supporters are a partnership that must function together. The Ballistët were also present in Slovenia and made us feel as if we were playing at home in Tetovo. They are always there for us,” the coach said.
Pollozhani also called on Shkëndija supporters from outside Tetovo to travel to Skopje and support the team.
“Shkëndija has supporters beyond Tetovo as well. The larger and more powerful the support is, the greater the emotion and motivation will be for the players on the pitch. This is fantastic news and an excellent gesture by the club.”
Islami also invited supporters to fill the stands at the Todor Proeski Arena.
“I invite the Ballistët and all the other supporters to come and stand behind us. We hope to reward them by celebrating qualification together at the end.”
Shkëndija seeking to repeat last season’s success
Following last season’s impressive European campaign, Shkëndija wants to remain in continental competition for as long as possible once again.
Pollozhani does not want the players to feel pressured. Instead, he wants them to carry out the technical and tactical instructions given by the coaching staff.
“Repeating that success would be extremely special. However, the players must not feel under pressure. They only need to carry out the tactical and technical duties assigned by the staff. The rest is our responsibility,” he said.
Gaye and Fetai unavailable
Goalkeeper Babacar Gaye will not be available because of injury.
Imran Fetai will also miss the match. The player is involved in advanced negotiations over a possible international transfer, and the club has decided to leave him out of the squad for this important fixture.
Despite these absences, optimism remains high within the Red and Black camp. Everyone believes the team possesses the quality needed to overturn the result.
Recent form strengthens belief
Shkëndija enters the match after an emphatic 3–0 league victory over Skopje. In contrast, NK Bravo suffered a 3–0 home defeat against NK Nafta in the Slovenian top flight.
These results have increased the Red and Blacks’ confidence, but the coaching staff has demanded complete focus and warned the players not to underestimate their opponents.
The match will be officiated by a Hungarian refereeing team led by Márton Rusz.
Shkëndija vs. NK Bravo Competition: UEFA Conference League Round: Second qualifying round, second leg First-leg result: NK Bravo 2–1 Shkëndija Stadium: Todor Proeski Arena, Skopje Date: Thursday, July 30 Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. Broadcast: RTVM2 Admission: Free
Shkëndija will not be alone in Skopje. The pride of Tetovo will be on the pitch, while one great Red and Black heart will beat in the stands and across every Albanian land.