FK Cementarnica 55 celebrate winning the Macedonian Cup

News.ssport.net (May 28, 2003) - FK Cementarnica 55 have claimed their first Macedonian Cup, beating FK Sloga on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw after extra time.

The final was, however, marred by ugly scenes in the stands, with rival supporters throwing seating. A policeman and two supporters were injured in the violence which resulted in the kick-off being delayed by 40 minutes.

On the field, Sloga took the lead three minutes into the game through Ljubiša Savic. The early strike seemed to stir Cementarnica from their slumber and they took control of possession. Their reward came in the 32nd minute when the Nigerian, Chinedy Blessing, capitalised on a mistake by the Sloga goalkeeper, Dejan Spaljevic, to equalise. Eight minutes later Blessing gave Cementarnica the lead, slamming the ball home from a corner.

Danko Savov extended Cementarnica's advantage to 3-1 from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute after the Brazilian Vandair had been upended. However, two minutes into first-half injury time, Arben Nuhiu put Sloga back in contention with a fine strike from outside the area.

Nuhiu equalised for Sloga eight minutes into the second half with another fantastic long-range effort which flew past Ljupce Kmetovski into the right-hand corner of the Cementarnica goal. Vandair was then rewarded for his fine display by putting Cementarnica into the lead in the 68th minute. However, they were unable to hold onto their advantage as defender Gorna Hristov sliced the ball into his own net while trying to clear a corner.

In extra-time both teams flagged and showed a resultant reluctance to go forward for fear of being caught out at the back. The game inevitably went to penalties where goalkeeper Kmetovski was the hero for Cementarnica, saving three penalties as his side won the shoot-out 3-2.

"This was a fantastic match with numerous twists and turns and it came down to luck," the Cementarnica coach, Zoran Stratev, said. "In my opinion this was the best Cup final in Macedonian history. I also have to congratulate Sloga on their excellent performance and courage."