Hamrun Spartans held FC Ballkani in a goalless draw in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round at the Zahir Pajaziti Stadium in Podujevo on Tuesday.
A draw which leaves wide open the battle for a spot in the third qualifying round of the competition where the team which emerges as winner would be facing Larne FC of Northern Ireland.
As expected, the hosts, who managed to qualify for the group stage of the competition in the last two years, created the better chances.
Ballkani had an excellent opportunity to take the lead on 20 minutes when they were awarded a penalty after Karrica was brought down inside the area by Marcelina but Emerllahu hit incredibly wide from the penalty spot.
Two minutes in added time, Potoku went close for Ballkani with a powerful drive from outside the area which ended just over the bar.
In the second half, the Spartans remained on the receiving end with the best attempt for Ballkani being a through pass by Hamidi for Karrica on the right but Henry Bonello blocked at point blank.
The second leg will be played at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on July 30, kick-off at 20:00.
BALLKANI Enea Koliçi, Arber Potoku (78′ Geralb Smajli), Gentrit Halili, Lindon Emërllahu, Almir Kryeziu (78′ Bleart Tolaj), Walid Hamidi, Marsel Ismajlgeci (60′ Ajazaj Engjeli, Astrit Thaqi, Bernard Karrica (78′ Krenar Dulaj), Bajram Jashanica, Queven (86′ Eris Abedini).
HAMRUN Henry Bonello, Mattias Ellul (78′ Sven Xerri), Steve Borg (64′ Wendel Barros), Daniel Letherby, Joseph Mbong (50′ Juan Corbalan), Roko Prša, Elionay (64′ Talison), Vitão (64′ Luke Montebello), Mayron, Emerson Marcelina, Raphael Lopes.
Referee: Walter Altmann AUT
Assistant referees: Andreas Witschnigg, Mattias Hartl AUT
Fourth official: Florian Jäger AUT
