The last two tied victories for Iran and Chile at the World Cup in Krakow were nearly two years and 12 competitive matches ago, and now Montenegro celebrates consecutive wins once again.

The “Lions” are once again hungry for victory, showcasing their prowess in the sport—after defeating Finland, they triumphed over Slovakia in Košice with a score of 38:35 (23:18), effectively securing a place in the European Championship in 2026.

This second win under new head coach Didier Dinar gained added importance as the French team traveled to Slovakia without key players Vuk Borozan and Vuk Lazović, and Miloš Vujović was injured early in the match at “Stil Arena.”

Despite some defensive lapses, Montenegro maintained a serious demeanor throughout the entire 60 minutes, consistently controlling the match’s tempo in Košice.

Čepić and Vujovići

With notable contributions from Radojica Čepić and the three Vujovićs (Branko, Stevan, and Miloš), the “Lions” established an early lead. When the Slovaks equalized at 8:8, Luka Vujović’s intervention prompted Matuš Moravčik’s exclusion.

Following that, Čepić continued his scoring spree (10:8), and the momentum oscillated similarly until the half-time mark, where Nebojša Simić thwarted a shot from Erik Fenar, allowing Aleksandar Bakić to score and extend the lead to its largest at 21:18.

Unfortunately for Bakić, he faced adversity at the start of the second half after receiving a red card for hitting the goalkeeper, which allowed Slovakia to narrow the gap (22:21).

Simic’s New Miracles and an Explosive Attack

However, Montenegro’s backline—featuring Čepić, Branko, and Stevan Vujović—excelled collaboratively. Pivot Luka Vujović also contributed with goals, and Simić’s goalkeeping was stellar, with numerous counterattack goals.

Branko Vujović netted two quick goals from counterplays, leading Montenegro to a significant five-goal advantage (29:24) by the 43rd minute. When the home team briefly led again (31:29), Bakić redeemed earlier mistakes, scoring twice alongside a long-distance goal from Stevan Vujović that pushed the difference to 34:29.

At that moment, with just ten minutes remaining, it was evident that the “Lions” were on track for another victory…

While Dinar, known as one of the best defenders in history, is expected to implement a robust defense for Montenegro, the team’s offensive strategy appears impressive after just two matches and a few training sessions. He will have time to solidify the defense in future gatherings, particularly since there is little pressure for results until the qualification round concludes.

SLOVAKIA – MONTENEGRO 35:38 (18:21)

Košice – “Stil Arena”. Spectators: Officials: R. Tijagaraža and S. Tijagaraža (Germany). Sevens: Slovakia 5 (2), Montenegro 2 (2). Suspensions: Slovakia 8, Montenegro 8 minutes.

Slovakia: Paul (six saves), Žernovič (nine saves), Hlinka, Brjatka 1, Mahač 5, Potisk 6 (1), Fenar 3, Kravcak, Prokop 8, Urban, Đuriš 2, Petržela 1, Mital, Moravčik 1, Smetanka 3, Mishov 4 (1).

Montenegro: Matović, Simić (18 saves and two seven-pointers), A. Bakić 5, Dragašević, M. Vujović 2 (1), Čepić 8, Ćorsović 2, B. Vujović 7 (1), M. Radović, Kaluđerović, S. Vujović 4, Vujacić, L. Radović 5, L. Vujović 4, Šćekić, M. Bakić.

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