Gedania Gdansk and Stargard Szczecinski played out a dramatic 2-2 draw in Poland Liga 3 on Saturday evening, with a stoppage-time equaliser denying the home side all three points. Gedania led twice through Kamil Nowak and Bartosz Lewandowski, but Stargard responded through Mateusz Kaczmarek and a late Dawid Zielinski strike.

Match overview

Gedania started brightly and took the lead in the 27th minute when Nowak finished a flowing move with a low shot into the bottom corner. The home side controlled much of the first half, but Stargard equalised just before the break when Kaczmarek headed home from a corner. The goal changed the mood and gave the visitors confidence heading into half-time.

Gedania regained the lead in the 82nd minute through Lewandowski, who pounced on a defensive mistake and slotted calmly past the goalkeeper. It looked set to be the winning goal, but Stargard pushed forward in the closing stages and found a dramatic equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time through Zielinski. The final whistle blew moments later, leaving Gedania frustrated and Stargard relieved.

Key moments

• 27’ — Kamil Nowak gives Gedania the lead with a composed finish from inside the box.
• 44’ — Mateusz Kaczmarek equalises with a powerful header from a corner.
• 58’ — Gedania’s goalkeeper makes a key save to deny a one-on-one chance.
• 82’ — Bartosz Lewandowski restores Gedania’s lead after a defensive error.
• 90+3’ — Dawid Zielinski scores a dramatic equaliser for Stargard.
• 90+5’ — Gedania launch a late attack, but the final cross is cleared.

Tactical story

Gedania Gdansk set up with an attacking 4-3-3 and looked to dominate possession through their midfield triangle. Their full-backs pushed high, creating width and allowing the wingers to drift inside. That approach worked well in the first half, but it also left space for Stargard to exploit on the counter, particularly from set pieces.

Stargard Szczecinski adopted a more pragmatic 4-4-2, sitting deep and looking to hit on the break. Their equaliser came from a set piece, and their late goal came from sustained pressure after Gedania dropped too deep in an attempt to protect the lead. The visitors’ substitutes made a difference, adding fresh legs and urgency in the final 15 minutes.

Standout players

Kamil Nowak was Gedania’s most dangerous player, with his goal and several clever runs behind the defence. Bartosz Lewandowski also impressed, scoring what looked like the winner and working tirelessly in midfield. For Stargard, Mateusz Kaczmarek’s header was a highlight, while Dawid Zielinski’s late composure in front of goal earned his side a valuable point.

Table and season impact

The draw leaves both sides with mixed emotions in the Poland Liga 3 standings. Gedania will feel they dropped two points after leading so late, while Stargard will take confidence from their resilience and fighting spirit. In a tightly contested division, such late goals can prove crucial in the battle for promotion or survival.

Gedania must learn to manage leads more effectively in the closing stages, while Stargard can build on a performance that showed character and tactical discipline. Both teams will look to turn this result into momentum in their next fixtures.