Bohemians come out best on penalties to advance in Europe
Bohemians FC advanced to the third qualifying round of the Conference League after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Ballkani in Kosovo. Despite losing the match 3-2, the aggregate score of 4-4 forced the shootout, securing the Irish club a minimum of €1.075 million in prize money.
Why it matters
The victory provides a significant financial boost to the club and keeps their European campaign alive, highlighting the high stakes of continental football competitions.
Bohemians dug deep into their reserves of energy and resolve in the sapping heat of Kosovo to book their place in the third qualifying round of the Conference League, holding their nerve superbly in scoring all five penalties in the necessary shoutout.
Though losing 3-2 on the night at Pristina's Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, a penalty from Douglas James-Taylor and a late second goal from Patrick Hickey levelled the tie at 4-4 on aggregate to force extra-time.
That having failed to separate the sides, Bohemians proved spot on from 12 yards.
Bajram Jashanica shooting Ballkani’s first penalty against a post proved crucial as Collie Whelan, Dawson Devoy, Cian Byrne, Dayle Rooney and Jordan Flores scored emphatically to win it and delight the 250 or so Gypsies fans who made the trip.
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