Marko Milovanovic makes mark in Pompey behind-closed-doors friendly with Kuwait SC
· Neil Allen · 2026-08-05 · nguồn gốc
Marko Milovanovic makes his mark in Portsmouth behind-closed-doors friendly with Kuwait SC
Kyran Sylvanus and Nathaniel Chioma netted in the final 11 minutes to register a 2-0 success
Marko Milovanovic provided a tantalising glimpse of his striking talents with an encouraging cameo in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
Joining fellow newcomer Daniel Bielica in John Mousinho’s starting XI, the duo pulled on Pompey’s colours for the very first time in a training ground fixture with Kuwait SC this afternoon.
The Copnor Road training ground clash offered a final opportunity for match minutes ahead of Saturday’s season opener at West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
And Milovanovic certainly caught the eye during his 31 minutes on pitch, twice drawing good saves from the visiting goalkeeper as the Blues claimed a late 2-0 win.
Likewise, Bielica kept a clean sheet during a 90-minute appearance, although there was another set-back for Franco Umeh, who collected an injury just 11 minutes into his latest comeback.
However, it was left to substitutes Kyran Sylvanus and Nathaniel Chioma to claim a Pompey victory, with two goals in the final 11 minutes of the match.
Mousinho had named a solid line-up against the Kuwait side, with triallist Arvin Appiah joining Hayden Matthews, Madiodio Dia and Josh Knight in the back four, while John Swift was in midfield.
There was also another right-wing outing for Eoin Kenny, with Chinedu Agu and Fraser Thomas completing the starting XI.
However, for Umeh, the game got off to the worst possible start when the winger was forced off following treatment, although left the field unassisted.
His replacement was Brandon Downey and, four minutes later, the Irish youngster’s cross from the left was met with a Milovanovic header which was saved by the keeper.
Moments later, the big Serb burst through the middle to collect a pass and drove towards the penalty area, only to be brought down with just the keeper to beat.
A foul was awarded just outside the box, with the culprit booked, but Swift’s resulting free-kick was comfortably gathered.
There was a scare for the Blues on 28 minutes when Thomas’ under-hit backpass left Bielica exposed, yet the Kuwait attacker fired wide when he should have done far better.
On the half-hour mark, Agu put the ball into the right channel to put out Milovanovic’s run, with the striker firing a first-time angled shot which prompted a smart stop once more from the visiting keeper.
That would prove to be the Serb’s final contribution, being replaced by Dane Bailey as Mousinho opted to ease him into his first outing.
Tadi Bare and Michael Ani replaced Kenny and Swift at half-time and soon the substitutes began to flow as those with first-team experience began to make way.
On 66 minutes, Ani went close with an opportunity following good word by Chioma, while, at the other end, Bielica saved a one-on-one five minutes later, emitting a little victory cheer after doing so.
However, the deadlock was broken on 79 minutes through a powerful right-footed shot from substitute Sylvanus outside the box, despite the visitors appealing in vain for it to be ruled out.
Chioma then wrapped up victory in the 84th minute as Mousinho’s men brought the curtain down on their pre-season, with preparations now for West Ham on Saturday.