Moldova rescue point against Faroe Islands in UEFA Nations League
Moldova’s national football team drew 1-1 at home against the Faroe Islands in their second match of Group C3 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
The match was played at Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău in front of 4,542 spectators, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 26th minute through Viljormur Davidsen, who converted a penalty. Moldova equalized in the second half through Sergiu Perciun in the 66th minute.
The Ascoli midfielder scored his first goal for the national team in his 12th appearance, finding the net with a spectacular direct free kick.
Moldova came close to securing victory late in the match. Perciun hit the post in the 69th minute, while Nichita Moțpan struck the crossbar in the 88th.
The match also marked several milestones for members of the national team. It was head coach Lilian Popescu’s 10th match in charge, captain Vladislav Baboglo made his 30th international appearance, while Nicky Cleșcenco earned his 10th cap.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Popescu assessed the team’s performance and the psychological pressure facing his players.
“The pressure from the run of matches without a victory is still affecting the team. The opponent practically had no chances until that penalty. Our morale is somewhat low, considering that we haven’t won for a long time. But at halftime, we talked and I told the boys not to give up. Of course, the result matters most in football, but I was pleased with their commitment and performance. We gained some courage and confidence, and we want to continue in the same way,” Popescu said.
The coach also highlighted the challenges posed by the busy schedule and the need to rotate his squad.
“Now we face a very difficult away match in Kazakhstan. This is the first time we have had to play four matches in ten days. We are trying to cope, help the players recover and have fresh players available for every match. Everyone understands that there is no longer just one starting eleven, but a team, a family of 25 players. Sooner or later, everyone will have a chance to play,” he added.
Popescu also praised the contribution of younger players and offered a long-term perspective on the rebuilding process.
“I’m pleased that younger players came onto the pitch with confidence. The future belongs to them, and my first objective when I took over the national team was to build a team that can achieve results in the future and make the supporters happy with major victories. We still don’t have the results or the style of play I want, but I’m convinced we are heading in the right direction. It’s like an orchard — you cannot expect a harvest just one year after planting. It takes time and support. What I saw in the second half moved me deeply. The players also felt the support of the fans,” Popescu said.
In the other Group C3 match, Slovakia defeated Kazakhstan 2-1. After the opening two rounds, Moldova sit bottom of the group standings.
Moldova will next travel to face Kazakhstan on Friday, October 2, at Astana Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00.
Photo: Facebook/Football Federation of Moldova
