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4 clusters · 5 sources · 19 days · First seen · Last updated

Macedonian youth basketball and handball reforms

Overview

In late July 2026, the Macedonian Handball Federation tightened competition rules to curb last-minute player registrations. During this period, guard Damjan Danev was recognized as a top U18 talent at the European Championship in Croatia.

The national cadet basketball squad’s Division B European Championship campaign included a decisive win over Cyprus. Following this, the team secured a second victory by defeating Switzerland 89-76, utilizing high-intensity defense and full-court pressing to overcome a slow start. However, the squad suffered an 84-70 defeat in their final group match against Ukraine, despite a late rally led by Dion Shabani, who recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds. Macedonia moves into the next phase to compete for ninth through sixteenth place.

In handball, the U18 men’s team achieved a milestone by defeating Portugal 26-25 in Serbia, securing a top-12 finish and qualification for the next World Championship. Selector Goran Kuzmanoski praised the squad’s collective spirit, stating there were “no egoists” and that the team functioned as one. He specifically highlighted Trajche Kostov, who scored the decisive goal despite playing with a broken finger. This success follows earlier tournament wins against Turkey, Italy, and the Faroe Islands, positioning the debutant side for a ninth-place match against Israel.

Entities

Dejan Stojanovski · Trajche Kostov · Macedonia U18 men's handball team · European Championship Division B · Portugal U18 men's handball team

Timeline

  1. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Macedonia cadet basketball team concludes group stage at European Championship

    The Macedonian cadet men's basketball team secured a win against Switzerland but lost their final group match to Ukraine 84-70 at the European Championship Division B.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Macedonia U18 handball team beats Portugal to reach top‑12 at European Championship

    Macedonia U18 handball beat Portugal 26‑25, reaching the top‑12 and qualifying for the World Championship; selector Goran Kuzmanoski praised the collective effort and highlighted Trajche Kostov’s winning goal.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Macedonia basketball team targets win over Iceland after Cyprus victory

    Macedonia's cadet basketball team beat Cyprus, with selector Dejan Stojanovski pleased but urging better ball control ahead of a clash with Iceland at the European Championship Division B.

  4. about 2 months ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Macedonia handball federation bans last‑minute playoff sign‑ins as basketball talent shines at U18 Euro tournament

    Macedonia’s handball federation bans last‑minute playoff sign‑ins, while guard Damjan Danev is spotlighted by FIBA for the U18 Euro Championship in Croatia.

Sources

classificados.folha.uol.com.br · gol.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk · slobodenpecat.mk · sport1.mk

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history