Bohemians dig deep to beat Ballkani on penalties to advance in Conference League
Bohemians FC advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after a penalty shootout victory against Ballkani. Despite losing 3-2 on the night, the Irish side leveled the aggregate score to 4-4 before securing the win.
Why it matters
The victory secures significant financial rewards for the club and keeps their European campaign alive.
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 shootout.
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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