Montenegro
Montenegro came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory over Cyprus in their UEFA Nations League League C opener, with Milutin Osmajić’s 86th-minute strike sealing a dramatic turnaround in Podgorica.
Montenegro Dig Deep After Cyprus Shock
The home crowd fell silent when Marcus Edwards gave Cyprus a shock 55th-minute lead against the run of play, slotting home after Nicholas Tsaroulla’s incisive pass. The Montenegrins had dominated possession (64%) but suddenly found themselves staring at an embarrassing defeat.
Cyprus’s early yellow card for Konstantinos Sotiriou set the tone for a physical battle, with the visitors collecting three cautions as they tried to disrupt Montenegro’s rhythm. But Nikola Krstović’s ice-cool 66th-minute penalty – awarded after a rash challenge – reignited the hosts’ belief.
Osmajić Becomes Montenegro’s Hero
With the Podgorica City Stadium erupting, Montenegro poured forward. Their 19 shots to Cyprus’s 11 told the story of their desperation. The breakthrough came when Krstović turned provider, slipping a perfect pass to Osmajić who buried it past a stranded Fabiano.
The Cyprus goalkeeper had kept his side in it with two vital saves among Montenegro’s four shots on target, but could do nothing about the late sucker punch. Pandemonium ensued as Montenegro’s bench cleared in celebration.
What This Means for Both Nations
For Montenegro, this gutsy comeback sets the perfect tone for their Nations League campaign after last edition’s relegation from League B. The experience of Stevan Jovetić (subbed on at 59 minutes) proved crucial in steadying the ship.
Cyprus will rue their missed opportunity after Edwards’ opener, but can take heart from a disciplined defensive display that almost stole a point. Coach Temur Ketsbaia must now rally his troops for their next group fixture.
As the Montenegrin fans sang long into the Balkan night, their team had served notice: these Lions refuse to lie down. Next up – tougher tests where this resilience will prove invaluable.
Key Moments
55′ ⚽ Cyprus — Marcus Edwards (assist: Nicholas Tsaroulla)
66′ ⚽ Montenegro — Nikola Krstović
86′ ⚽ Montenegro — Milutin Osmajić (assist: Nikola Krstović)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
