Veres Rivne vs Yarud Mariupol'

Fenix Mariupol struck first in the 11th minute. Vladyslav Sydorenko drifted in from the right flank and unleashed a powerful drive from outside the penalty area that arced beyond Veres goalkeeper Valentyn Horokh and into the far corner — a finish Horokh could only watch.

Veres nearly responded immediately when Vladyslav Sharai broke free and shot against the run of play, but Oleksandr Melnyk cleared off the line to preserve Fenix's lead.

The hosts' pressure paid off six minutes before the interval. Dmytro Klots delivered a free kick that ricocheted off a defender and fell kindly for Wally, who adjusted his body well to volley home from five yards — 1-1.

The match could have swung either way in the second half, but the decisive intervention came in the closing minutes when Veres keeper Pavlo Stefanuyk produced a remarkable point-blank save from a Fenix header, clawing the ball off the line to preserve the draw. Roman Kovalyuk had earlier missed Veres' best chance of the second period, cutting inside from the right and bending a left-footed effort just over the crossbar.

• Adaji Wally (Veres Rivne) — Poacher's finish for the equaliser, demonstrating sharp movement in the box. Subbed off at half-time as part of Shandruk's planned rotation.
• Vladyslav Sydorenko (Fenix Mariupol) — Scored a stunning opener from distance that was the standout moment of skill in the match.
• Pavlo Stefanuyk (Veres Rivne) — Entered for the second half and made a superb late save to deny a certain goal, earning his side a share of the spoils.

Player of the Match: Vladyslav Sydorenko (Fenix Mariupol)

The 1-1 scoreline accurately reflects an even contest. Veres dominated possession in spells but Fenix carried a consistent threat on the counter. Shandruk made 10 half-time outfield changes, fielding an entirely different XI in the second period — a clear indication that fitness minutes took priority over result. Fenix fielded six former Veres players in their squad, including Valerii Kucherov, Andrii Kukharuk and Andrii Kusyi in the starting lineup.

This was the first pre-season friendly of summer 2026 for both Ukrainian sides. Veres are preparing for their 2026/27 Ukrainian Premier League campaign under Oleh Shandruk, while Fenix Mariupol — managed by Maksym Feshchuk — are building toward the First League season. Veres' next friendly is scheduled for 1 July 2026.

A typically cagey first pre-season friendly with the expected heavy rotation limiting any sustained rhythm. Sydorenko's goal was a genuine highlight, and Stefanuyk's late save ensured Veres avoided defeat. Both managers will have learned more about fitness levels than tactical coherence.