The football season in Montenegro is nearing its end, and while the championship title has been claimed, the Cup competition is just heating up – today marks the first leg of the Cup semi-finals. Three first-league teams (Petrovac, Mornar, Dečić) alongside Iskra, the sole second-league representative, will contend for a spot in the grand finale.

ISKRA AIMS FOR ANOTHER SURPRISE, MORNAR IS WEAKENED BUT DRIVEN

Iskra made headlines by knocking out Buducnost in the quarterfinals and will now strive to defeat the third elite club (having triumphed over Otranto in the 2012 round) and become only the third second-division team in independent Montenegro to reach the Cup final, joining Čelik in 2018 and Igalo in 2019.

Meanwhile, Mornar has its sights set on success, motivated by a memorable European summer and eager to claim its first major trophy.

– We face a challenging two-leg match against a young and formidable Iskra team. They have demonstrated their quality by ousting two first-league teams in recent rounds. We have labored to reach the semi-finals, and though several key players are injured and we are missing Zorić and Djordjevic post-transfer window, our goal remains to reach the final. Once there, it’s one match and anything can happen – stated Baran coach Zoran Đurašković.

Iskra will host the first match at the FSCG Camp, with the return fixture occurring in 14 days in Bar.

– We didn’t focus too heavily on our semi-final draw as, realistically, we are underdogs against any team. However, we were viewed as outsiders against Otranto and Buducnost, yet we succeeded. We are cautiously optimistic and believe we can advance to the final. Our second half of the season has been strong, and we’re well-prepared physically. We’ll seize our opportunity, especially if the opponent has an off day. The Cup final offers a unique excitement, which I have experienced multiple times as a player – explained Iskra’s coach Milan Radulović.

DEČIĆ SEEKS A THIRD OPPORTUNITY, PETROVAC HOPES TO REPEAT 2009.

Petrovac will take on Dečić in the first semi-final match. Both teams have already clashed in the elite three times this season, with Tuzani earning victory twice (1:0 both at home and away), and a recent draw in Petrovac (0:0).

Petrovac is currently in optimal condition for the Cup, with eyes on European qualification via the league, where they comfortably sit in second place.

Trainer Zdravko Dragićević has high aspirations:

“As competitors, having reached the semi-finals, our aim is to win the Cup. We face a tough and unpredictable match against a strong Dečić side, though we might enter this match with a bit more ease given our positive season. Small details will play a crucial role. All players are available barring Faust, who has been sidelined for a while – commented Dragićević, who previously secured the cup as a player with Petrovac, the only Cup title in independent Montenegro, back in 2009. Can he replicate that success as a coach?

On the other hand, Dečić is eager to make it to their third Cup final in five seasons. Progressing would serve as redemption for their subpar league performance this season.

– Our aim is undoubtedly to reach the Cup final; we recognize our strengths. We seek victory in every match. We anticipate a challenging clash against Petrovac, a deserving second-placed team in the league. The pitch could be difficult if it rains, and I believe the team displaying greater desire will advance to the final – said Dečić midfielder Andrej Bajović.

Both return matches are scheduled for April 30th.

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