Georgi Rusev Opens the Scoring

The friendly between Moldova and Bulgaria ended in a 1-1 draw at Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau. It was a match of two halves, defined by tactical shifts and individual brilliance. Bulgarian manager Alexander Dimitrov made eight changes to the side that lost 0-1 to Montenegro four days prior. Martin Velichkov started in goal, replacing Daniel Naumov, while only Dimitar Velkovski retained his defensive spot. Rosen Bozhinov, Andrea Hristov, and Ivan Turitsrov took to the pitch, marking a fresh start for the national team.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. Boris Tsonev found Georgi Rusev, who advanced from the right and unleashed a diagonal strike that stretched the net for 1-0. The goal was a moment of pure precision, silencing the home crowd briefly. Moldova responded with pressure, but Velichkov and the backline held firm. Petru Popescu headed wide in stoppage time, leaving Bulgaria with a slender lead at the break.

Bogachyuk Levels After Break

The second half began with Dimitar Sheitanov replacing Velichkov. Moldova pushed for an equalizer, and Virgiliu Postolachi missed a golden chance in the 50th minute, heading wide from a cross. Dimitrov reacted with a triple substitution, bringing on Martin Minchev, Patrick-Gabriel Galchev, and Marin Petkov. The momentum shifted in the 60th minute when Victor Bogachyuk rose from a corner to head the ball into the far corner, leveling the score at 1-1.

Bulgaria sought a winner, but Boris Tsonev’s powerful shot in the 65th minute went astray. Further substitutions followed, with Vladimir Nikolov and Tonislav Yordanov entering the fray. The match concluded with a draw, a respectable result for a team in transition. This friendly marked the end of the international season for the Bulgarian players, who will now prepare for the upcoming Nations League campaign in September against Iceland, Luxembourg, and Estonia.

Squad and Match Details

Moldova: Dumitru Celiadnic, Catalin Kukos, Vladislav Baboglo (C), Mikhail Gerasimentsov, Danila Forov, Teodor Lungu, Ioan-Kalin Revenco, Victor Bogachyuk, Stefan Bodisteanu, Virgiliu Postolachi, Petru Popescu.

Bulgaria: Martin Velichkov, Ivan Turitsrov (C), Rosen Bozhinov, Andrea Hristov, Dimitar Velkovski, Emil Tsenov, Boris Tsonev, Petko Panayotov, Georgi Rusev, Zdravko Dimitrov, Lucas Petkov.