Azerbaijan W beat North Macedonia W 3-1 in Bitola, with Kristina Bakarandze scoring from 35+ yards and registering an assist. All four goals came in the first 37 minutes.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Bakarandze's long-range effort in the 8th minute caught the North Macedonia defence off guard, arrowing into the centre of the goal from distance. The lead lasted just three minutes: Mustafa converted from close range after Petkova's delivery to make it 1-1.
Azerbaijan's response was decisive. In the 28th minute, Bakarandze turned provider, crossing for Mana Mollayeva to power a header into the top of the net from the centre of the box. Nine minutes later, Mollayeva returned the favour, setting up Nigar Mirzaliyeva, who placed a right-footed shot into the top corner from the centre of the box. Azerbaijan led 3-1 at half-time.
The Turning Point
Bakarandze's 8th-minute opener was the defining moment. The long-range strike forced North Macedonia to chase the game from the outset, and although Mustafa's quick equaliser briefly restored parity, Azerbaijan's ability to respond with two more goals before the 40th minute — Mollayeva's header and Mirzaliyeva's composed finish — meant the contest was effectively over by half-time. North Macedonia never threatened a comeback in the second half.
Key Performers
Kristina Bakarandze (Azerbaijan W) — Scored the opening goal from 35+ yards and assisted Mollayeva's header. A complete midfield display. Booked in first-half stoppage time.
Mana Mollayeva (Azerbaijan W) — Scored a header and provided the assist for Mirzaliyeva's goal. Involved in two of Azerbaijan's three goals.
Hava Mustafa (North Macedonia W) — Scored her side's only goal, a well-taken finish in the 11th minute, but was isolated after the interval and substituted in the 69th minute.
Player of the Match: Kristina Bakarandze (Azerbaijan W)
By the Numbers — Interpreted
All four goals were scored inside the first 37 minutes, making this a game decided entirely in the opening phase. The half-time score of 3-1 tells the story: Azerbaijan's efficiency in front of goal — three goals from three different scorers — contrasted with North Macedonia's inability to build on Mustafa's equaliser. The second half produced no goals despite five yellow cards and 10 substitutions, reflecting a game that was already settled. Azerbaijan registered three bookings to North Macedonia's one, a sign of their willingness to disrupt play to protect the lead.
What It Means
Azerbaijan W finished second in League C Group 3 with 12 points from six matches, behind group winners Hungary (19 points). North Macedonia W ended their campaign in third place with 6 points, above Andorra (1 point). The result confirmed the final group standings: Hungary advanced to the play-offs as group winners, while Azerbaijan's second-place finish was not enough to progress as one of the best-ranked runners-up. North Macedonia's 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign ends with a solitary win from six matches.
Verdict
Azerbaijan's clinical first-half performance — three goals from three players inside 37 minutes — proved the difference against a North Macedonia side that could not sustain its early promise after Mustafa's equaliser. Bakarandze's long-range strike set the tone, and the visitors never looked back.
Match Events
Key match events between North Macedonia W and Azerbaijan W — 4 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
assist: B. Petkova
assist: K. Bakarandze
Rivalry since 2026
North Macedonia W vs Azerbaijan W Head to Head Results· 1
North Macedonia W and Azerbaijan W have met 1 times — North Macedonia W won 0, Azerbaijan W won 1, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2026. Azerbaijan W leads the head-to-head with 1 victory from 1 meeting. A combined 2 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.00 per match (0 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 0 matches (0%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 0 games (0%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–0 in 2026.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 3 Jul 2026