The Armenian national football team drew 1-1 with Moldova at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan, the second straight friendly in which Yeghishe Melikyan’s side scored only to be pegged back in the closing minutes. Armenia, ranked 106th in the FIFA rankings, hosted a Moldova side ranked 159th in the last of its pre-Nations League preparations.
The match was scoreless until the 89th minute, when 22-year-old winger Artur Serobyan finished off a pass from Kamo Hovhannisyan to give Armenia the lead, which only lasted two minutes. Deep in stoppage time, Moldovan midfielder Viktor Bogachiuc found a gap in the Armenian defense and restored parity to finalize the result.
Armenia controlled the tempo throughout, dominating possession against a Moldova side that sat back in defense, but could not find the finishing touch. Goalkeeper Alexander Mishiyev confidently turned away Moldova’s lone real threat, while substitute Hrant-Leon Ranos missed two strong chances after the break, part of a recurring theme of squandered opportunities that defined the night.
The draw mirrored Armenia’s June 6 friendly against Kazakhstan, which also ended 1-1. Armenia returns to action in the fall, hosting Latvia on September 25 in the opening round of the Nations League.
At the post-match press conference, Melikyan expressed satisfaction with his players despite the missed victory. “We, as a team, are on the right path. My boys did a good job,” he said. He acknowledged that the team’s central problem lies in finishing. “We don’t have a problem with tactics, we need to find someone who can complete the attack and score a goal,” Melikyan said, adding that the team focused heavily on set pieces and earned 15 corner kicks.
Melikyan also pointed to the absence of higher-quality attacking options, expressing hope that players like Finn Geragusya and Vahan Bichakhchyan can fulfill their potential. “There is character, dedication, discipline, work, only a little quality is missing. Today we were also unlucky,” he said. “I apologize that we could not win today.”
Asked about fan pressure over calls for Federation President Armen Melikbekyan’s resignation, Melikyan said he had met with supporters and reached an understanding but decided not to engage further.
