Ħamrun Spartans have written history by becoming the first Maltese club ever to qualify for the group stage of a European competition, after a 2-2 draw against Latvian side RFS in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off round. The Spartans advanced with a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Ħamrun struck first after just 12 minutes. A pinpoint cross from N’Dri Koffi found Samba Thioune inside the box, who calmly slotted past Maric to give the Spartans an early lead.
RFS responded almost immediately. In the 17th minute, Mor Talla was brought down in the box by Eder, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Stjepan Panic stepped up and converted confidently, sending Bonello the wrong way to make it 1-1.
The hosts pushed for the advantage after the break and nearly found it on the hour mark, but goalkeeper Henry Bonello pulled off a stunning save to deny Diomande from close range.
Instead, it was Ħamrun who struck again in the 67th minute. Joseph Mbong delivered a perfect cross that found Vincenzo Polito, who headed home powerfully to restore the Spartans’ lead.
RFS equalised again late in the game, with Lemajic heading in on 87 minutes. However, it was not enough to overturn the aggregate score, and the final whistle sparked celebrations for the Maltese champions.
Ħamrun will now take their place in the UEFA Conference League group stage, with the draw scheduled for tomorrow at 13:00 CET.
Final Score
RFS 2–2 Ħamrun Spartans
(Ħamrun win 3–2 on aggregate)
Line-ups
RFS: M. Maric, A. Filipovic, I. Diomande, J. Ikaunieks, R. Savalnieks, D. Zelenkovs, P. Mares, S. Panic, T. Wouter, Z. Lipuscek (C), M. Talla.
Ħamrun Spartans: H. Bonello (C), R. Compri, S. Thioune, J. Mbong, V. Polito, N. Koffi, Eder, O. Bjelicic, D. Simkus, E. Marcelina, R. Camenzuli.
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