Belarus, Bulgaria at different levels, says ex-Minsk Dynamo player

Ex-striker Sergey Kornilenko comments on upcoming friendly match

Former Belarus and Minsk Dynamo striker Sergey Kornilenko believes that the national teams of Belarus and Bulgaria are at different levels ahead of their upcoming friendly match.

Belarus struggling for form, Bulgaria on the up

Belarus have not won in their last five matches, while Bulgaria have won three of their last four. Kornilenko, who played for Belarus for 10 years, said that the two teams are at different stages of development.

"Belarus is in a rebuilding phase," Kornilenko said. "We have a lot of young players who are still learning. Bulgaria, on the other hand, is a more experienced team with a lot of quality players."

Kornilenko played for Minsk Dynamo from 2008 to 2011, scoring 54 goals in 116 appearances. He also had a successful career with Russian club Rubin Kazan, winning the Russian Premier League title in 2008 and 2009.

Belarus hoping to avoid another defeat

Belarus will be hoping to avoid another defeat when they face Bulgaria in a friendly match on 25 March. The match will be played at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia.

Belarus have not beaten Bulgaria in their last three meetings, with their last victory coming in 2008. Kornilenko said that Belarus will need to be at their best to get a result.

"We need to be well-organized and disciplined," Kornilenko said. "We also need to take our chances when we create them. If we do that, we have a chance of winning the match."