Relegated Teteks lift Macedonian Cup

FK Teteks edged out their Tetovo rivals FK Shkëndija 79 on penalties to lift the Macedonian Cup for the second time.

After a 1-1 draw in the final at the National Arena Filip II Macedonian, the shoot-out went to sudden death and was level at 5-5 after six penalties each. Genc Hyseni converted and Vanche Manchevski denied Sedat Berisha's effort to secure the trophy the club first won in 2010, and means next season the relegated club will be the first second-tier side to represent their country in Europe.

Shkëndija, who lost their only previous final in 2006, took the lead on 17 minutes through Muzafer Ejupi after he received an excellent ball from Artim Polozani and comfortably beat the exposed Manchevski. Artim Sakiri's men continued to dominate the match, but soon things drastically changed after Shkëndija goalkeeper Hadis Velii was sent off on 25 minutes.

His replacement Besir Nuhii made a couple of outstanding saves, denying Hyseni and Miroslav Jovanovski, but could not prevent Darko Micevski from scoring a superb goal from distance on 66 minutes to force extra time. Both sides had chances in the additional 30 minutes but penalties resulted. Manchevski stopped Ejupi's attempt and although Nuhii quickly replied and saved from Filip Despotovski, Teteks were to prevail a week after their relegation was confirmed, having also beaten their city rivals twice in the league.

Teteks coach Gorazd Mihailov told UEFA.com: "I want to congratulate my players, who should get all the credit for this huge success. They played an excellent match and deservedly lifted the cup.

"Before the match I told my players that I want them to achieve the same feat that Wigan Athletic was able to do in England and they succeeded. We are the Macedonian Wigan!"