Ukraine secured a 1-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest on Friday to hand Andrea Maldera his first competitive win as the country’s head coach in the UEFA Nations League.
Danylo Sikan scored the decisive goal at the Puskas Arena, heading home Georgiy Sudakov’s cross to give the visitors the lead before half-time.
Both sides created opportunities early in an open contest.
Hungary came close when Daniel Lukacs directed Andras Schafer’s knockdown onto the bar, while Sikan fired narrowly wide at the other end.
Hungary captain Dominik Szoboszlai then created a good opening for Bendeguz Bolla, but the midfielder volleyed over from close range.
Ukraine also threatened through Viktor Tsyhankov, who sent an effort past the post.
Hungary increased the pressure after the break as Aron Csongvai headed onto the roof of the net from a corner, while substitute Milan Toth saw his volley saved by Dmytro Riznyk.
Schafer continued to trouble Ukraine with another long-range effort, but Riznyk was equal to it.
Donat Barany also headed wide as Hungary searched for an equaliser.
Ukraine had a chance to seal the victory on the counter-attack when substitute Igor Krasnopir rounded goalkeeper Balazs Toth, but the Hungary shot-stopper recovered to keep the effort out.
The visitors held on despite being reduced to 10 men in stoppage time after Oleksandr Nazarenko received a second yellow card and was sent off.
The result extended Ukraine’s record to six wins in nine matches, while Hungary suffered only their second defeat in nine internationals.
Ukraine will next face Georgia, while Hungary are scheduled to take on Northern Ireland.
