David Brooks spared Cymru from a heartbreaking defeat with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser, securing a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia in Skopje in their World Cup qualifier.
Cymru had dominated much of the contest but were left stunned in the opening minute of added time when a defensive lapse gifted North Macedonia the lead. Substitute Joe Allen’s misplaced back pass, intended for Joe Rodon, was intercepted by Bojan Miovski, who calmly slotted the ball past Karl Darlow.
With Cymru staring at a costly defeat, Kieffer Moore rose highest to flick on a long ball in the sixth minute of stoppage time, allowing Brooks to bundle it across the line and salvage a crucial point for Craig Bellamy’s side.
The result could still prove problematic for Cymru in their quest for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, particularly with group favourites Belgium yet to play.
A Night of Emotion and Remembrance
The fixture carried added significance for North Macedonia, marking their first home match since a tragic nightclub fire in Kocani claimed 59 lives earlier this month. A seven-day period of national mourning had concluded just days before the game, and the hosts paid tribute by warming up in black T-shirts honouring the victims. Both teams observed a minute’s silence impeccably before kick-off, with players wearing black armbands. Bellamy also donned a black suit as a mark of respect.
Cymru’s Bright Start and Missed Opportunities
Bellamy made three changes to the team that defeated Kazakhstan 3-1 in Cardiff, bringing in Chris Mepham, Jordan James and Nathan Broadhead, while Connor Roberts, Brooks and Liam Cullen dropped to the bench. Captain Ben Davies was the only remaining player from the Cymru side that suffered a 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia in 2013, a match that marked one of Bellamy’s final international appearances.
North Macedonia entered the game in superb form, having secured a sixth consecutive victory—their longest winning streak—by comfortably defeating Liechtenstein on Saturday. Their goalkeeper, Stole Dimitrievski, had not conceded in those six matches but was forced into action within 30 seconds, making an early save from James.
The hosts soon responded with Tihomir Kostadinov sending a speculative shot wide from 25 yards, but the match was frequently disrupted by the fussy officiating of French referee Jérôme Brisard. A lengthy pause occurred when Dimitrievski went down injured outside his penalty area, though he was eventually able to continue.
Cymru had the better chances in the first half, with Brennan Johnson coming closest to breaking the deadlock, only for his effort to be cleared off the line by Visar Musliu. Later, Sorba Thomas failed to capitalise on a dangerous ball at the far post, misdirecting his attempt back across goal. Josh Sheehan then tested Dimitrievski from distance, forcing the goalkeeper into a goal-line collection.
Second Half Drama
After the interval, Cymru continued to press, but clear-cut chances were scarce. North Macedonia showed occasional attacking intent, with Darko Churlinov forcing a save from Darlow, while Johnson once again went close for Cymru.
Then came the late drama. Allen’s misplaced pass gifted Miovski the opener, seemingly sealing victory for the home side. However, Cymru refused to surrender, and Brooks’ last-gasp intervention ensured they emerged with a point.
While Cymru will rue their missed opportunities, the late equaliser keeps their qualification hopes alive as they look ahead to their remaining fixtures.
