The League B Group 1 encounter at the National Arena Toše Proeski also marked Andy Robertson’s 100th appearance for Scotland.
Bowie ends Scotland’s goal drought
Scotland started brightly and took the lead in the eighth minute through Kieron Bowie.
The forward produced an impressive finish from outside the penalty area for his first Scotland goal, ending the team’s run of 428 minutes without scoring.
Scotland continued to create chances before half-time, with Robertson and Ben Gannon-Doak both going close as the visitors controlled the contest.
McGinn doubles the advantage
Scotland were awarded a penalty after VAR determined that North Macedonia forward Bojan Miovski had handled a rebound following a shot from Scott McKenna.
John McGinn stepped up in the 69th minute and confidently sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2–0. It was the Aston Villa midfielder’s 27th international goal.
McKenna sees red
Scotland were reduced to 10 men in the 83rd minute when Scott McKenna was shown a straight red card for a last-man challenge on Agon Elezi.
Despite playing the final stages with a numerical disadvantage, Scotland held on comfortably for a clean sheet and three valuable points.
First win for Pocognoli
The victory was Sébastien Pocognoli’s first win as Scotland head coach at the third attempt.
Scotland now have four points from three Group B1 matches, level with Slovenia, who they face at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Scorers
• Scotland: Kieron Bowie 8', John McGinn 69' (pen)
• North Macedonia: No goals