Macedonia’s national handball team made a winning start to its qualifying campaign for the 2028 European Championship, defeating Luxembourg 41–23 (20–10) on home soil.
Head coach Kiril Lazarov and his players comfortably justified their status as favorites, securing Macedonia’s seventh victory in seven meetings against Luxembourg.
The hosts got off to a flying start, taking a commanding 9–1 lead. Goalkeeper Martin Tomovski had already recorded six saves, while Luxembourg struggled to find its rhythm, scoring its second goal only midway through the first half.
In the 17th minute, new national team player Dmitro Goryga made his debut in the Macedonian jersey. He scored his first international goal shortly after, helping Macedonia extend its lead to 12–3. Two minutes later, the hosts reached double figures in front at 13–3.
The second half brought no change in the balance of power. Macedonia continued to dominate, and the approximately 3,000 fans in attendance enjoyed a convincing performance. The home side led 32–18 in the 49th minute, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Lazarov used the opportunity to rotate his squad and distribute playing time, with the team conserving energy ahead of a much tougher test against Greece.
Tomovski marked his national-team debut with an impressive 13 saves. Goryga scored three goals, while Kosteski led Macedonia with six. Petkovski and Serafimov added five goals each.
Macedonia’s next challenge comes on Sunday, when the team travels to face Greece in an away qualifier.
