U19. Polissia vs Shakhtar: match preview
Saturday, April 18, 2026
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Shakhtar U19 to play Polissia U19 away in the Youth League round 24
Hlybochytsia, FC Polissia TB No. 1, 13:00
Match build-up
Shakhtar youth team concluded a demanding stretch of fixtures with am away win over LNZ U19 (2-1) and prepared for the match against Polissia U19 within a weekly training cycle. After 23 matches, the Orange-and-Blacks remain top of the table with 61 points (20 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses). In their previous league games, the Pitmen beat Rukh U19 (3-1) and Karpaty U19 (2-0), drawings with Zorya U19 (3-3).
Match build-up
Shakhtar youth team concluded a demanding stretch of fixtures with am away win over LNZ U19 (2-1) and prepared for the match against Polissia U19 within a weekly training cycle. After 23 matches, the Orange-and-Blacks remain top of the table with 61 points (20 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses). In their previous league games, the Pitmen beat Rukh U19 (3-1) and Karpaty U19 (2-0), drawings with Zorya U19 (3-3).
We expect a tough match where small details can be decisive. It is important to start the game properly and maintain discipline
Denys Smetana, midfielder:
– We expect a tough match where small details can be decisive. It is important to start the game properly and maintain discipline. We are focused on playing quality football and making the most of our strengths. Polissia U19 are an organised and consistent team that performs well both in positional defence and in transition phases. They know how to wait for their moment and quickly punish opponents’ mistakes. For me personally, such important matches are an opportunity to improve, gain experience and help the team.
Opponents
The start of the second half of the season has been mixed for the Zhytomyr side: they have recorded only 1 win in the last 7 rounds, although the team remain among the leaders and continue to compete for a top-three finish. After 23 matches, Polissia U19 have 41 points and sit 4th in the table (11 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses). In their recent games, the Wolves lost to SC Poltava U19 (0-2), drew with Veres U19 (0-0) and beat Kudrivka U19 (2-0).
Match background
The teams met 5 times in the Youth League: 4 wins for the Pitmen and 1 win for the Zhytomyr side.
Previous match
On October 19, 2025, Shakhtar U19 hosted Polissia U19 at the Sviatoshyn training base. The Miners took the lead through Kanteh, but the visitors quickly equalised and went ahead with goals from Kulmaliiev and Zakharov. Before the break, the Pitmen created chances but failed to convert them. In the second half, Bundash restored parity, and Shakhtar had the advantage, but lacked finishing quality, with Tryfanenko hitting the post. In the closing stages, Semenenko scored the decisive goal. Polissia U19 won the match 3-2.
– We expect a tough match where small details can be decisive. It is important to start the game properly and maintain discipline. We are focused on playing quality football and making the most of our strengths. Polissia U19 are an organised and consistent team that performs well both in positional defence and in transition phases. They know how to wait for their moment and quickly punish opponents’ mistakes. For me personally, such important matches are an opportunity to improve, gain experience and help the team.
Opponents
The start of the second half of the season has been mixed for the Zhytomyr side: they have recorded only 1 win in the last 7 rounds, although the team remain among the leaders and continue to compete for a top-three finish. After 23 matches, Polissia U19 have 41 points and sit 4th in the table (11 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses). In their recent games, the Wolves lost to SC Poltava U19 (0-2), drew with Veres U19 (0-0) and beat Kudrivka U19 (2-0).
Match background
The teams met 5 times in the Youth League: 4 wins for the Pitmen and 1 win for the Zhytomyr side.
Previous match
On October 19, 2025, Shakhtar U19 hosted Polissia U19 at the Sviatoshyn training base. The Miners took the lead through Kanteh, but the visitors quickly equalised and went ahead with goals from Kulmaliiev and Zakharov. Before the break, the Pitmen created chances but failed to convert them. In the second half, Bundash restored parity, and Shakhtar had the advantage, but lacked finishing quality, with Tryfanenko hitting the post. In the closing stages, Semenenko scored the decisive goal. Polissia U19 won the match 3-2.