Floriana’s European campaign was dealt a significant blow on Tuesday night, as they suffered a 4–2 defeat away to Ballkani in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round.
Despite taking the lead twice in the opening half, Floriana were ultimately undone by Ballkani’s attacking efficiency and individual brilliance, particularly from Bleart Tolaj and Sunday Adetunji, who both netted braces at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina.
The match began with promise for the Maltese side, who capitalised on a handball in the Ballkani penalty area. Jake Grech confidently converted the resulting penalty in the 8th minute, registering his ninth career goal in UEFA competitions – tying him with Andre Schembri and Michael Mifsud, and now just two behind Maltese record-holder Gilbert Agius.
However, Ballkani responded quickly. In the 13th minute, Tolaj rose highest to head home an equaliser. Floriana regained their lead through Mustapha Jah in the 25th minute, who finished off a powerful solo run after being set up by Grech.
That joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Adetunji levelled again for the hosts after a scramble in the box. Ballkani took the lead for the first time in the 32nd minute when Tolaj finished off a flowing move with a composed finish.
The half ended in bizarre fashion, as a temporary floodlight failure brought an early whistle for the interval.
The second half saw fewer chances, but Ballkani remained in control. Adetunji had a goal disallowed for offside before finally completing his brace in the 76th minute, heading home unmarked to make it 4–2.
Floriana struggled to create clear chances in the second period, with their only shot on target arriving in the 88th minute through Charles M’Mombwa.
The result leaves Floriana needing a strong comeback in the return leg next week in Malta to keep their European hopes alive.
Match Stats
Ballkani 4–2 Floriana
UEFA Conference League, 2nd Qualifying Round – 1st Leg
Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina
Scorers – Ballkani:
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Tolaj 13’, 32’
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Adetunji 27’, 76’
Scorers – Floriana:
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Grech 8’ (pen)
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Jah 25’
Ballkani XI:
A. Iljazi, G. Smajli, B. Jashanica, I. Batarelo, A. Potoku (79′ E. Letaj), A. Deliu (72′ W. Hamidi), Giovanni, A. Diene, B. Tolaj (90′ L. Kolgeci), S. Adetunji, A. Kryeziu
Floriana XI:
G. Cioletti, G. Gamarra, I. Mendonca, L. Lopez, A. Garzia (80′ O. Spiteri), J. Grech, D. Vella (66′ Z. Scerri), C. M’Mombwa, M. Veselji, M. Jah (80′ T. Glisovic), F. Varela
Referee: Gergo Bogar (Hungary)
Sports Editor
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