3 – 2
“Edvin Kuc breaks the deadlock, finishing off an assist from Abou Dosso to give Ballkani a deserved lead after a spell of pressure that included two corners.”
Pivotal“Giovanni doubles Ballkani's lead just four minutes into the second half, converting from a corner situation to put the tie firmly in the home side's hands.”
Pivotal“Valentin Serebe wraps up a dominant Ballkani performance with a third goal, effectively ending the contest as a contest and forcing Connah's Quay into damage-limitation mode.”
Pivotal“Substitute Max Woodcock converts from the penalty spot to pull one back for Connah's Quay, offering the visitors a glimmer of hope and shifting the momentum briefly.”
“Hussein Mehasseb, introduced as a substitute, reduces the deficit further to 3-2, sparking a frantic closing period but also earning a yellow card four minutes later as tempers frayed.”
KF Ballkani
Connah's QuayKF Ballkani were commanding from the outset, using their home comforts and a superior 66% share of possession to methodically dismantle a Connah's Quay side who struggled to impose themselves in the first half. The Kosovo champions built to a 3-0 lead by the 57th minute, with goals from Edvin Kuc, Giovanni, and Valentin Serebe underlining their quality across the pitch. Connah's Quay showed some spirit in the final quarter through a Max Woodcock penalty and a Hussein Mehasseb goal to make it 3-2, but the Welsh side were ultimately left chasing shadows for too long to mount a genuine comeback — their zero corners and limited shot count telling a damning story. For Ballkani, this is a confident step into European competition; for Connah's Quay, the margin may prove too large to overcome in the second leg, though Mehasseb's late goal at least gives them something to build on.
How entertaining was this match?
On comes Freddie Redshaw, off goes Michael Stone.
Yellow card.
Yellow card issued.
Yellow card shown to Hussein Mehasseb.
On comes Albert Diene, off goes Valentin Serebe.
Goal! The score is now 3-2.
Yellow card issued.
Goal in the penalty shootout! Max Woodcock scores, making it 3-1.
Goal in the penalty shootout! Max Woodcock scores, bringing the tally to 3-1.
On comes Lorik Dobratiqi, off goes Giovanni.
Goal in the penalty shootout! Max Woodcock scores, making it 3-1.
On Lorik Dobratiqi, Off Giovanni.
Albin Berisha comes on for Ajazaj Engjell.
Erlis Xhemajli comes on for Edvin Kuc.
Goal! The score is now 3-0.
Max Woodcock is substituted for Frankie Deane.
Frankie DeaneYellow CardFrankie Deane receives a yellow card.
assist: Diar Vokrri
Goal! Giovanni scores, making it 2-0.
Corner awarded.
Marsel Ismajlgeci replaces Almedin Klinaku.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
Harry FranklinYellow CardHarry Franklin receives a yellow card.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
assist: Abou Dosso
Goal! Edvin Kuc scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Abou Dosso.
Corner awarded.
Gentrit HaliliYellow CardGentrit Halili receives a yellow card.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Kick-off! The referee is Ashot Ghaltakhchyan.
