Birkirkara earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Moldovan side Petrocub in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round.
The match was a lively affair, with Petrocub dominating much of the first half, creating several scoring opportunities. However, Birkirkara’s debutant goalkeeper Miguel Martinez remained sharp and kept the visitors at bay. The second half saw a shift in momentum as Birkirkara broke the deadlock and managed to hold on to their lead for the win.
In the 7th minute, Teodor Lungu fired a shot from outside the box that went over the crossbar. Petrocub continued to press and came close again in the 15th minute when Victor Bogaciuc headed just wide following a Lungu free kick.
Birkirkara responded in the 24th minute with new signing Geoffrey Acheampong seeing his effort fly high over the bar. The Maltese side made a few defensive errors, and in the 38th minute, Nicolae Rotaru forced a save from Martinez with a header.
The first half ended goalless, but Birkirkara came out stronger in the second half. In the 54th minute, they capitalised on a defensive mistake by Petrocub. Acheampong was quick to react, controlled the ball skillfully, and slotted it into the corner of the net.
Petrocub pushed for an equalizer, and in the 65th minute, substitute Mihai Lupan came close with a shot that narrowly missed the target. In the 80th minute, Lungu took a free kick that sailed just over Martinez’s goal.
Despite Petrocub’s pressure late in the game, Birkirkara’s defence held firm, allowing them to travel to Moldova next week with a one-goal advantage.
Line-ups:
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).
