LUXEMBOURG – The Bosnia and Herzegovina U-19 women’s national football team has secured promotion back to League A, completing a successful qualifying tournament in Luxembourg. The team finished atop Group B4 of the second qualifying round for the 2026 European Championship, showcasing a blend of skill, discipline, and team spirit.
Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded the tournament with seven points, level with Belarus, after a compelling campaign that included a dominant 5-0 victory over Luxembourg, a 1-1 draw against Belarus, and a hard-fought 3-1 comeback win against Armenia on Thursday, March 6th. The team’s performance marks a significant step forward for women’s football in the country.
Dramatic Comeback Seals Top Spot
Thursday’s match against Armenia saw a determined display from the young Bosnian side. Armenia took an early lead through Ruzanna Injyan in the 29th minute, but Bosnia and Herzegovina responded strongly. Natalija Mirković equalized just before halftime, scoring in the 45th minute. Amina Krpo then put Bosnia and Herzegovina ahead in added time (45+2’), and Elma Brković extended the lead to 3-1 in the 80th minute, securing the victory and the group title.
The starting lineup for Bosnia and Herzegovina included Nadija Golubović, Ariana Hafizović, Dragana Dimitrić (substituted by Nađa Ćerić in the 46th minute), Marija Mihaela Maslać, Bogdana Milićević, Natalija Mirković, Amila Abdukić, Ana Jurić, Amina Krpo (substituted by Irina Erkić in the 75th minute), Elma Brković, and Zerina Marković (substituted by Velida Aličković in the 62nd minute).
In the other group match, Belarus defeated Luxembourg 2-0, finishing with the same number of points as Bosnia and Herzegovina. But, Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed first place on goal difference. Luxembourg finished third with 3 points, while Armenia ended the tournament without any points.
Milović Praises Team’s Character
Head coach Jelena Milović expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their resilience and determination. “I congratulate the players on a well-deserved first place in the group and the way they played this tournament,” Milović said, according to a statement released by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “After falling behind today, they showed character, patience, and quality, and managed to turn the result around.”
Milović similarly emphasized the team’s unity and preparation. “Throughout the tournament, the team showed discipline, togetherness, and a great desire for success, which makes us especially happy. This is a quality confirmation of our work, and I believe that these matches will be incredibly useful in further preparation for the challenges ahead.”
What This Means for Bosnian Football
This promotion to League A is a significant achievement for the Bosnia and Herzegovina U-19 women’s team, signaling a growing strength in the nation’s youth football program. The team will now compete against Europe’s elite in the next qualifying cycle, providing valuable experience and exposure for the players. The success also comes at a pivotal time, as Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing to host the final stages of the European Championship later this year.
The team’s strong performance throughout the qualifying tournament demonstrates the effectiveness of the coaching staff and the dedication of the players. The combination of tactical awareness, physical fitness, and a strong team spirit proved to be a winning formula. The ability to approach from behind against Armenia, in particular, showcased the team’s mental fortitude and never-say-die attitude.
The return to League A also has implications for the future development of women’s football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Increased competition at a higher level will encourage further investment in youth programs and provide more opportunities for talented players to emerge. This success story could inspire a new generation of girls to take up the sport, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant footballing culture.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s next challenge will be the European Championship finals, where they will have the opportunity to compete against the best teams in the continent on home soil. The team will undoubtedly be looking to build on their recent success and make a strong impression in the tournament.
Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and future matches through the official website of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina: https://www.nfsbih.ba/
