Swiss Top Nations League Group After 2-1 Home Win Over Slovenia

Third straight win under Yakin

LUCERNE, Switzerland — Switzerland beat Slovenia 2-1 in UEFA Nations League play on Friday, Oct. 3, to make it three wins from three under coach Murat Yakin and stay top of League B Group B1, Keystone-SDA reported via Bluewin.

A sold-out crowd of 15,240 watched at the stadium in Lucerne. Switzerland now has nine points; Slovenia and Scotland have four each, and North Macedonia remains on zero, according to the match report and AFP’s Nations League roundup.

Early concession, curious equalizer

Slovenia struck after barely 90 seconds. Zan Vipotnik finished a quick counter following a Swiss corner, catching the hosts’ offside trap and putting the visitors ahead 1-0 — the earliest Switzerland had trailed under Yakin, Keystone-SDA said.

Switzerland leveled in the 10th minute when Remo Freuler’s shot was deflected by Erik Janza for an own goal. Goalkeeper Jan Oblak got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out, a rare error from the Slovenia captain, the agency reported.

Ndoye seals first-half lead

Dan Ndoye put Switzerland in front in the 38th minute. Zeki Amdouni drew defenders in the box; the cleared ball fell to Ndoye, who scored from close range for his 11th international goal on his 40th appearance — his first since the World Cup quarter-final equalizer against Argentina, Keystone-SDA said.

Switzerland dominated long stretches after the break but could not add a third. Oblak stopped Freuler and Johan Manzambi, and substitute Winsley Boteli nearly scored. In the 90th minute, Slovenia substitute Zan Celar threatened from a promising position before Gregor Kobel made the save to protect the result.

Switzerland hosts North Macedonia again in Lucerne on Tuesday in the remaining fixture of this match window.

Sources: Keystone-SDA via Bluewin; AFP Nations League roundup.