Gent Edge Cherkasy 4-2 in Penalty Drama

Gent scraped through to the next round of the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers with a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over LNZ Cherkasy after a gruelling 120 minutes failed to produce a single goal. The Belgian side held their nerve from the spot while their Ukrainian opponents crumbled under the weight of expectation, sending the home crowd into raptures after a tension-filled night at the Ghelamco Arena.

Gent’s Frustration Builds

The hosts dominated possession but found Cherkasy’s compact defensive structure impossible to break down. Leonardo Lopes and László Bénes probed relentlessly from midfield, yet Gent’s best chance came from a Christian Burgess header that sailed over in the 38th minute. The Ukrainian side’s discipline was impeccable, with Oleg Gorin and Nazariy Muravskyi forming an impenetrable barrier at the back.

Cherkasy’s Resilient Stand

LNZ grew into the game after the break, with Korede Adedoyin’s pace causing problems on the counter. The visitors nearly stole it in extra time when Denys Kuzyk’s driven cross just evaded Mark Assinor at the far post. Gent’s frustration boiled over as Burgess saw yellow for a cynical foul (80′) and keeper Davy Roef joined him in the book during the shootout (120+1′).

Penalty Heartbreak for Cherkasy

The shootout became a test of mental strength after 120 goalless minutes. Talles Brener converted Cherkasy’s first, matched immediately by Gent’s Abdul Kadri. The turning point came when Yevhenii Tverdokhlib blasted over (120+2′), followed by Kuzyk’s crucial miss (120+4′). Gent’s Tibe De Vlieger, Lopes, and Moussa Sonko kept their cool to send the Belgians through.

For Gent, this was a reprieve after failing to break down stubborn opposition – their European campaign lives on. For Cherkasy, the cruelest of exits after a heroic defensive display that deserved more. The Belgians progress knowing they must improve, while the Ukrainians return home with pride intact but dreams shattered.