Craig Bellamy Secures First Win as Wales Head Coach in Rain-Soaked Thriller Against Montenegro

Craig Bellamy earned his first victory as Wales head coach in a chaotic and rain-drenched Nations League clash against Montenegro in Niksic. Kieffer Moore gave Wales a lightning-fast start, scoring just 37 seconds into the match with a sharp finish, and Harry Wilson doubled the lead two minutes later with a spectacular 25-yard strike.

The torrential rain wreaked havoc on the pitch, turning the match into a frenetic contest with chances for both sides. Montenegro captain Stevan Jovetic almost pulled off a stunning equalizer with a shot from his own half that struck the bar, and Driton Camaj was denied by Ben Davies’ goal-line block.

Wales could have sealed the match early in the second half, but Moore missed a close-range opportunity, and Montenegro capitalized on their reprieve when Camaj tapped in a goal in the 73rd minute. Despite late pressure, Wales held on for the 2-1 win.

The victory puts Wales level with Turkey at the top of Group B4, with both teams on four points.

Dream Start in Torrential Conditions

Bellamy’s side, fresh from an impressive performance against Turkey, started brightly in Montenegro. Moore’s early goal came after a fortunate deflection off Harry Wilson, but there was nothing lucky about Wilson’s own spectacular goal minutes later, a long-range effort that left Montenegro goalkeeper helpless.

As the rain poured down, the pitch deteriorated, making it difficult for players to maintain their footing, but the pace of the game remained relentless. Montenegro nearly found a way back into the game when Jovetic struck the bar with a stunning shot from his own half. Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow made a key save to deny Jovetic shortly afterward, while Davies blocked Camaj’s follow-up.

In the second half, Wales struggled to maintain control as the weather worsened, and Montenegro kept the pressure on. After Moore’s missed chance to extend Wales’ lead, Montenegro responded with Camaj’s goal, setting up a tense finish. However, Bellamy’s team dug deep to secure their first win under his leadership, despite some late scares.