Malisheva
Malisheva rocked the UEFA Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round with a stunning 2-0 victory over Hibernian, leaving the Scottish side shellshocked on Kosovar soil.
The home fans erupted in the 21st minute when Kreshnik Uka rose highest to nod home Arlind Veliu’s inch-perfect cross, sending Malisheva into raptures. Hibs’ defence, so solid in domestic football, looked rattled as wave after wave of red shirts poured forward.
David Gray’s side huffed and puffed after the break, introducing fresh legs in a bid to salvage their European hopes. But Warren O’Hora’s 52nd minute yellow card for a cynical foul epitomised their frustration. Malisheva’s defensive wall stood firm, repelling everything Hibs threw at them.
Just as Hibs were mustering their final push, disaster struck. In the 90th minute, Valon Nafiu latched onto Uka’s flick-on, slotting coolly past the despairing Sallinger to spark pandemonium in the stands. A late yellow for Hibs’ Abdulai summed up a miserable evening for the Scottish side.
For Malisheva, this was a night etched in folklore. Jusufi Bekim’s tactical masterclass leaves them dreaming of a European adventure. For Hibs, it’s a case of back to the drawing board after a sobering early exit. The Kosovars march on, while Scotland’s representatives lick their wounds.
Key Moments
21′ ⚽ Malisheva — K. Uka (assist: A. Veliu)
90′ ⚽ Malisheva — V. Nafiu (assist: K. Uka)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
