Diabate Delivers Dagger as Vitebsk Edge Sutjeska 2-1

Sutjeska 1-2 ML Vitebsk in UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifying Drama

ML Vitebsk snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sutjeska in the UEFA Europa Conference League 2nd Qualifying Round, breaking Montenegrin hearts with Bourama Diabate’s 90th-minute winner after Boris Toskovic had equalized late on. The Belarusian side took control early through Artem Kontsevoy’s opener, but Sutjeska fought back valiantly only to be undone by a cruel late blow.

Kontsevoy Puts Vitebsk in Command

The visitors stamped their authority early, silencing the home crowd in the 16th minute when Kontsevoy clinically finished past Vladan Giljen. Sutjeska struggled to respond, managing just one shot on target before halftime as Vitebsk’s disciplined defense frustrated Milorad Pekovic’s side. The Belarusians made three attacking substitutions before the hour mark, showing their intent to kill the tie.

Sutjeska’s Spirited Fightback

The hosts finally sparked into life when Toskovic rose highest to head home Marko Simun’s cross in the 84th minute, sending the Grbalj Stadium into raptures. But their joy was short-lived as Diabate crashed the party, slotting home Valeriy Gromyko’s precise assist with the clock ticking down. Sutjeska’s frustration boiled over with three yellow cards in seven second-half minutes as their European dreams evaporated.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Vitebsk, this dramatic win continues their European adventure, booking a spot in the 3rd Qualifying Round and boosting confidence in Mikhail Martinovich’s evolving squad. Sutjeska, meanwhile, must regroup quickly after falling at the first hurdle, their continental campaign over before it truly began. The Montenegrin side showed heart but ultimately lacked the killer instinct when it mattered most.

Key Moments

16′ ⚽ ML Vitebsk — A. Kontsevoy

84′ ⚽ Sutjeska — B. Toskovic (assist: M. Simun)

90′ ⚽ ML Vitebsk — B. Diabate (assist: V. Gromyko)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.