Montenegro Women edged a five-goal friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina Women, winning 3-2 on 9 October 2026. In a match designed to test squads and experiment with systems, it was Montenegro who found the decisive moment late on, capping a lively and competitive encounter that rarely felt like a meaningless friendly.

Friendly fixtures often lack intensity, but this one had plenty — end-to-end football, physical duels in midfield and a finish that sparked genuine celebrations from the home side.

Match overview

Montenegro Women started brightly, pressing high and looking to force errors in the Bosnia and Herzegovina defensive third. Their early pressure was rewarded with the opening goal, and for a period they looked the more cohesive unit, moving the ball quickly through midfield and getting runners into the box.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Women, however, grew into the contest. Their equaliser came from a well-constructed move, and from that point the game became far more even, with both coaches using the occasion to rotate personnel and test different combinations.

Key moments

• 9th minute: Montenegro Women took an early lead, finishing off a bright attacking sequence down the left flank.
• 31st minute: Bosnia and Herzegovina Women equalised, punishing a defensive lapse with a composed finish.
• 44th minute: Montenegro Women retook the lead just before the break, a well-timed run meeting a low cross.
• 58th minute: Bosnia and Herzegovina Women levelled for a second time, their persistence paying off after sustained pressure.
• 77th minute: Montenegro Women scored the winner, converting a chance created by a swift turnover in midfield.

Tactical story

Montenegro Women's game plan revolved around width. Their full-backs pushed forward aggressively, stretching the Bosnia and Herzegovina back line and creating space for midfield runners. The approach produced all three of their goals, though it also left them vulnerable to counterattacks, which Bosnia and Herzegovina exploited more than once.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Women were at their most dangerous when they pressed high and forced turnovers in the attacking half. Their two goals both came from moments of pressure rather than patient build-up, and their coach will have taken encouragement from the team's response after falling behind on two separate occasions.

Standout performers

Montenegro Women's attacking players were sharp and incisive, with the match-winner showing excellent anticipation to pounce on a loose ball in the 77th minute. Their midfield also deserves credit for controlling long stretches of the game and ensuring their side rarely lost rhythm.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina Women, the fightback after each setback was the most impressive aspect of the performance. Their equalisers came from sustained pressure and intelligent movement in the final third, and the character shown will please the coaching staff despite the result.

What the match tells us

Friendlies are judged by different standards than competitive fixtures, but this performance gives both nations useful information. Montenegro Women showed they can convert territorial pressure into goals and handle the pressure of a tight game. Bosnia and Herzegovina Women demonstrated resilience and attacking threat but will want to tighten up defensively after conceding three times.

With competitive fixtures ahead, both squads leave this match with clear areas to work on — and for Montenegro, a winning habit worth protecting.