Armenia concede late equalizer against Moldova

Armenia played their second friendly match of June and once again settled for a draw. The game against Moldova, held on June 9 in Yerevan at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, ended 1-1.

Yeghishe Melikyan’s team came very close to victory. Artur Serobyan opened the scoring in the 89th minute, with the goal becoming his first for the Armenia national team. However, the hosts were unable to hold on to their lead: in the 91st minute, Victor Bogaciuc equalized and saved Moldova from defeat.

Armenia dominated the match and created significantly more dangerous chances. Possession was 64% to 36% in favor of the Armenian team. Armenia also had a clear advantage in shots — 23 to 7. The corner-kick statistics were especially telling: 15 to 1 in favor of Armenia.

Despite the pressure and numerous attacking moves near the opponent’s goal, Melikyan’s team once again lacked finishing quality and concentration in the closing stages. Before this match, Armenia had also drawn 1-1 with Kazakhstan.

Another unpleasant statistical streak should also be noted. The match against Moldova became Armenia’s 40th consecutive game with a goal conceded. Armenia remain the world’s leading national team in terms of the longest active run without a clean sheet.

Armenia lineup

Mishiev — Piloyan, Harutyunyan (90+2, Kazaryan), Bueno — Davidyan (46, Hovhannisyan), Hovhannisyan, Spertsyan (90+2, Hamoyan), Tiknizyan (90+2, E. Grigoryan) — Shaghoyan (63, Manvelyan), Grigoryan (63, Serobyan), Miranyan (46, Ranos).

Armenia’s next match will take place on September 25 in the Nations League against Latvia.