Birkirkara Stun Petroclub In UEFA Conference League Qualifier

Maltese side Birkirkara FC pulled off a stunning upset in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League first qualifying round, defeating Moldovan giants Petroclub.

The result provides a major morale boost for Stefano De Angelis’ team ahead of next week’s decisive return leg in Moldova.

Despite being considered underdogs, as noted by Sportsdesk journalist Gianluca Lia, Birkirkara opened the match with impressive intensity, pressing Petroclub, a side that featured in last season’s group stage, into making long and ineffective clearances. The Stripes displayed discipline, aggression, and tactical awareness that exceeded all expectations.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 54th minute when former Sliema Wanderers winger Acheampong capitalised on a loose ball in the final third, surged into the box, and coolly slotted in the opener.

Should Birkirkara hold firm in the return leg and eliminate Petroclub, they would face either Azerbaijani side Sabah or Slovenian outfit Celje in the next round, an enticing prospect for Maltese football.

#MaltaDaily