Bowie’s early strike hands Pocognoli first win as Scotland beat North Macedonia

Kieron Bowie opened the scoring after seven minutes as Scotland defeated North Macedonia in Skopje in a Nations League match on 3 October 2026, giving Sébastien Pocognoli his first victory in charge and supplying an early goal for the manager's tenure.

Scotland went into the game needing a professional display and delivered a largely controlled performance against a North Macedonia side that struggled to create clear chances. Andy Robertson forced a fine save from Stole Dimitrievski inside five minutes, while John McGinn, who had faced recent criticism, produced a strong showing for the visitors.

Bowie, retained in the starting line-up despite being withdrawn after Jack Hendry’s early red card in the loss to Switzerland, collected Billy Gilmour’s pass about 25 yards out with two defenders close by and struck a left-foot shot past Dimitrievski to put Scotland ahead.

The match referee initially penalised Scott McKenna for a foul after the centre-back nodded the ball down from a Scotland corner, but that decision was overturned and Bojan Miovski was subsequently penalised for handling when he blocked Bowie’s shot; John McGinn’s 22nd goal for his country, coming from the penalty spot, extended Scotland’s lead after McGinn finished low and hard.

Scotland created further openings but failed to convert them into a larger margin: McGinn’s pass to Robertson, operating as a left winger, led to a shot dragged wide instead of a square pass to Oli McBurnie, and chances were also missed by Ben Gannon-Doak and Bowie. North Macedonia made two substitutions inside the first half-hour as they looked to stem Scotland’s pressure.

Gannon-Doak was clean through within five minutes of the restart but struck tamely at Dimitrievski, and a potential penalty was overturned by VAR when replays showed the Bournemouth player had stood on the foot of Matej Gashtarov rather than the other way around. Ryan Christie’s introduction at half-time brought added composure and creativity to Scotland’s midfield, and it will be a surprise if Christie does not start when Slovenia visit Glasgow on Tuesday.

Angus Gunn, whose position as the Scotland goalkeeper had been questioned before the game, had little of consequence to do, but Scott McKenna will miss the visit from Slovenia after upending Agon Elezi six minutes from time in an incident regarded as the denial of an obvious scoring opportunity. Robertson later said, “It means everything to me and my family,” and added, “It has been an unbelievable journey. It is emotional for me because I love this country and this is a special achievement. I believe I still have a lot to give,” while also admitting he owes McKenna an apology.

Scotland remain alive in section B1 of the Nations League and will host Slovenia in Glasgow on Tuesday; McKenna will be suspended for that match, and North Macedonia have now gone seven games without scoring.