ZFK Ljuboten Women and ZFK Vardar Women played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the North Macedonia Women's League on Sunday evening. Both sides traded blows in a keenly contested match that leaves the title race finely balanced.

Ljuboten took the lead twice, but Vardar showed resilience to come back each time, earning a point that could prove crucial come the end of the season. The draw keeps both teams in the top half of the table.

Match Overview

Ljuboten started brightly and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Elena Trajkovska, who finished off a flowing team move. Vardar responded well and equalised in first-half stoppage time when Ana Stojanova headed home from a corner. In the second half, Ljuboten regained the lead in the 67th minute via a stunning free-kick from Marija Nikolovska. However, Vardar refused to lie down and equalised again in the 88th minute through a close-range finish from Ivana Petrovska. Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages.

Key Moments

• 23' – Elena Trajkovska gives Ljuboten the lead.
• 45+2' – Ana Stojanova equalises for Vardar with a header.
• 67' – Marija Nikolovska scores a spectacular free-kick to put Ljuboten ahead.
• 88' – Ivana Petrovska levels for Vardar.
• 90+4' – Ljuboten's final chance goes wide as the referee blows the full-time whistle.

Tactical Analysis

Both teams lined up in 4-2-3-1 formations, leading to a midfield battle that ebbed and flowed. Ljuboten looked dangerous on the counter-attack, while Vardar dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient defence. Vardar's equalisers came from set-pieces, an area where Ljuboten looked vulnerable. Ljuboten's goalkeeper, Ana Ilieva, made several fine saves to keep her team in the game.

Standout Players

Elena Trajkovska was lively for Ljuboten, scoring one and causing problems with her dribbling. Marija Nikolovska's free-kick was a moment of pure quality. For Vardar, Ana Stojanova was excellent in midfield, scoring and creating chances, while Ivana Petrovska's late goal showed her poaching instincts.

League Impact

The draw leaves both teams locked on the same points in the upper reaches of the North Macedonia Women's League. With the season still young, this result could be seen as a point gained for Vardar, who came from behind twice, and two points dropped for Ljuboten, who led for long periods. Both will look to build on this performance in their next fixtures.