FC Ballkani secured a strong 4-2 victory against Maltese side Floriana FC in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, held at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Suhareka, Kosovo.
Floriana started the match on the front foot, taking an early lead in the 8th minute when Jake Grech calmly converted a penalty.
However, Ballkani responded quickly, pulling one back in the 13th minute via Bleart Tolaj, who showcased clinical finishing to spark their comeback.
The Maltese visitors doubled their advantage in the 25th minute through a well-placed finish by Mustapha Jah.
Just two minutes later, Sunday Adetunji levelled the score at 2-2 with a composed strike, thrilling the home crowd.
The hosts then took the lead in the 32nd minute when Tolaj scored his second goal of the match with a precise shot, putting Ballkani ahead for the first time. Floriana struggled to regain control as Ballkani dominated proceedings.
In the 76th minute, Adetunji completed his brace, assisted by Geralb Smajli, to extend Ballkani’s lead to 4-2, a margin they would maintain until full-time.
The result leaves Ballkani with a solid advantage heading into the return leg, where Floriana will face the challenge of overturning a two-goal deficit on home soil if they hope to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Formations:
Floriana: Coletti, A. Garcia, Lopez, Mendonça, Gamarra, M’Mombwa, Grech, Vella, Varela, Ja Sané, Glisovic
Ballkani: Iljazi, Batarello, Jashanica, Kodra, Taki, Deliu, Diene, Ismailjesi, Hamidi, Serebe, Maktusai
Referee: Gergő Bogár
