Birkirkara…….1
Petrocub………0
A brilliant solo goal by Geoffrey Acheampong in the 54th minute gave Birkirkara a narrow 1-0 victory over Moldovan side Pterocub in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League First Qualifying Round at the Centenary Stadium.
The first half ended goalless, with both sides sharing possession and creating few clear-cut chances. However, early in the second half, new signing and former Sliema Wanderers player Acheampong broke the deadlock. Picking up the ball in the final third, he drove forward with purpose, dribbling past defenders before finishing clinically with his left foot past goalkeeper Șmalenea.
Birkirkara held firm for the remainder of the match, preserving their one-goal lead and taking a valuable advantage into the second leg in Moldova.
They’ll now look to build on this result and repeat their disciplined performance away from home to secure progression to the next round.
Birkirkara: Miguel Martinez, Luis Cordova, Stefan Marjanovic, Alexander Satariano, Leandro Lacunza, Neil Micallef, Franlin Sasere, Marcos Maydana, Geoffrey Acheampong (Shaun Dimech 88′), Donovan Makoma, Lucas Macula (Kemar Reid 71′).
Petrocub: Silviu Smalenea, Sergiu Platica, Petru Popescu (Mihai Lupan 65′), Nicolae Rotaru (Maxim Cojocaru 65′), Cedric Ngah, Dan Puscas (Dumitru Damian 72′), Teodor Lungu, Jessie Djou, Ion Bors, Victor Bogaciuc (Cristian Pascaluta 81′), Ion Jardan.
Referee: Ilioski Vlatko (North Macedonia Football Federation).
