Dynamo Kyiv forward Ponomarenko defends Ukraine after 1-2 loss to Hungary

Dynamo Kyiv forward Ponomarenko defends Ukraine after 1-2 loss to Hungary AI

Matvii Ponomarenko, a forward for Dynamo Kyiv, reacted after Ukraine’s 1-2 Nations League defeat to Hungary on 5 October 2026. He said the national team is in a rebuilding phase under new coach Andrea Maldera, lamented the low scoring in four matches and urged fans patience. Ponomarenko is a Dynamo Kyiv player, so his defence of the national team will matter to Kyiv supporters ahead of the remaining Nations League fixtures.

Matvii Ponomarenko spoke publicly after Ukraine’s 1-2 loss to Hungary in the UEFA Nations League on 5 October 2026. The Dynamo Kyiv forward said the side created a lot in the first half but failed to convert chances, and stressed that the team remains strong despite the result.

Ponomarenko described the squad as being in a rebuilding stage under new coach Andrea Maldera, with a new tactic and formation to adjust to. He expressed surprise that Ukraine has scored only two goals in four matches, and said players will work on that. With two Nations League games left, Ponomarenko said the team will play to win and try to give supporters reason to be pleased.

After four matches Ukraine have four points and sit third in Group B2, behind Hungary and Northern Ireland.

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