Stefan Ristić scored three second-half goals as Macedonia U17 came from two goals down to beat Hungary 3–2 in its European Championship qualifying opener on November 11. His winner came in the fourth minute of stoppage time in Trabzon, Turkey.
The victory gives coach Iljami Isejni’s team three points from its opening Group 11 match. Macedonia still has games against San Marino and host Turkey in the first qualifying round.
Ristić Scores Three Times After Hungary Goes 2–0 Up
Áron Horváth put Hungary ahead in the eighth minute. Macedonia created chances before halftime, but Hungary doubled its lead in the 48th minute through captain Timot Farkas.
Ristić pulled one back seven minutes later. Macedonia kept pressing, and in the 86th minute Ristić scored again after a pass from Matej Nikolov.
With the match tied at 2–2, Ristić completed his hat trick four minutes into stoppage time. The goal put Macedonia ahead for the first time and secured the win.
Macedonia Faces San Marino Next in Group 11
Macedonia U17 plays San Marino on November 14 before closing the round against Turkey on November 17. Both matches are part of the qualifying tournament in Trabzon.
The top two teams in each group advance to League A in the second qualifying round. From there, seven group winners will qualify for the 2027 European Under-17 Championship finals in Latvia.
