On Friday, November 21, Dynamo Kyiv played their Matchday 13 fixture of the National League U19 - Igor Kostyuk’s side traveled to face Kolos Kovalivka.
In recent seasons Kolos have built a reputation as a very difficult opponent for the “White-Blues.” Out of the last five meetings between the teams Dynamo had won only one and losing three. This match also promised to be far from easy.
From the first minutes Dynamo took control of the ball while hosts relied on counterattacks. Early on Zakharchenko joined the attack but fired a long-range shot straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Overall the home team defended confidently and didn’t allow Dynamo much freedom near their goal.
In such situations, when the opponent closes down the zones well, individual skills become decisive. Osypenko carried the ball through the center and shot from distance but the keeper was alert. A bit later Liusin cut inside from the wing but his shot lacked accuracy.
Dynamo also tried to make the most out of set pieces. After a corner Liusin adjusted well for a header and a few minutes later Ozymai tried a first-time effort after a cross from the flag - both attempts missed the target.
In the closing minutes of the first half Ihor Kostyuk’s players increased the tempo. Redushko, put through on goal by Osypenko, missed the target but Ponomarenko finally turned the visitors’ dominance into a goal. In the 42nd minute hosts lost the ball with a misplaced pass in midfield, Dynamo intercepted and released the striker through on goal. In a few touches Matvii broke away from his marker and fired under the defender precisely into the corner - 0:1.
At the start of the second half Dynamo didn’t sit back to protect the narrow lead - they continued to pressure Kolos. However creating clear chances became more difficult likely due to the weather conditions: Kyiv and its surroundings were covered in thick fog.
Still visitors had opportunities to extend their lead. In the 69th minute Ponomarenko narrowly missed the top corner after a solo run. Then in the 82nd minute Liusin unleashed a powerful shot but the crossbar saved the hosts. In the 85th minute Dynamo goalkeeper Surkis also had to intervene - he reacted well to a long-range shot that deflected off one of his own teammates.
Dynamo managed to hold onto their winning scoreline though not without trouble. In stoppage time Zakharchenko received two yellow cards in separate episodes and was sent off. He will therefore miss the next league match due to suspension.
Dynamo’s next match will be on Wednesday, November 26, in the UEFA Youth League against the Scottish side Hibernian. In domestic competition they will face FC Poltava U19 on November 30.
National U19 League, Matchday 13
Kolos U19 – Dynamo U19 – 0:1 (0:1)
21.11.2025. Kyiv Region. Kolos Training Center
Kolos: 72. Tkachuk – 16. Kudelia, 4. Shershen (c), 5. Danyliuk, 48. I. Kokora – 6. Sukhonos, 88. Bezruchuk (19. Potiienko, 79), 47. Denysenko, 10. Chernenko (11. Shcherbak, 79), 15. Merva – 7. Zakharkiv.
Dynamo: 71. Surkis (c) – 13. Korobov, 34. Zakharchenko, 6. Ivaskiv (4. Ohorodnik, 11), 11. Hubenko – 18. Ozymai, 8. Liusin, 22. Osypenko (14. Ishchenko, 71), 10. Redushko (19. Zadorozhnyi, 81), 7. Andreiko – 99. Ponomarenko (17. Hrodzinskyi, 71).
Goal: Ponomarenko (42).
Booked: Bezruchuk (36) – Korobov (60), Zakharchenko (90+1).
Sent off: Zakharchenko (90+5, second yellow).
Photo: FC Kolos
