Ħamrun Spartans secured a historic qualification to the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage after a hard-fought 2-2 draw against RFS at the LNK Sporta Parks in Riga on Thursday evening. Coupled with their 1-0 win in the first leg at Ta’ Qali, the Spartans progressed with a 3-2 aggregate score, marking a significant milestone for both the club and Maltese football.
Match Summary
The Spartans made a bright start and took the lead after just 12 minutes. Joseph Mbong, a constant threat down the right flank, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Saliou Thioune met it with style, slotting past goalkeeper Maric to make it 1-0 for the visitors.
However, the hosts responded quickly. On 17 minutes, Mor Talla was brought down inside the area by Eder, and Stefan Panic made no mistake from the penalty spot, drawing RFS level at 1-1.
Ħamrun showed resilience and regained the lead later in the half. Once again, it was Joseph Mbong providing the assist from the right. This time, Vincenzo Polito rose highest to meet the cross, heading powerfully past Maric to restore the Spartans’ advantage.
As the match wore on, RFS pressed for an equaliser and found it just three minutes from time. A cross from the left by Jānis Ikaunieks was met by substitute Darko Lemajic, who headed past Henry Bonello to make it 2-2.
Despite the late equaliser, Ħamrun held on through the final moments, securing a historic aggregate victory and booking their place in the group stage of a major European competition for the first time.
