Hibs' opponents Shkendija target successive league phase appearances
Hibernian's reward for a thrilling comeback win over Kosovo's Malisheva is another Balkan assignment in the shape of North Macedonia's Shkendija. David Gray's side host the Macedonian First Football League runners-up in Thursday's Conference League third qualifying round first leg, after recovering from two down against Malisheva to win 4-3 on aggregate. Artim Pollozhani's side have come through…
Hibernian's recent victory over Malisheva in Kosovo has pitted them against Shkendija, the North Macedonia First Football League runners-up, in the Conference League third qualifying round first leg. Shkendija, who have progressed through two qualifying rounds, defeated Gibraltar's Europa 6-0 in their previous match, but faced a tougher challenge against Slovenia's Bravo.
The Macedonian side boasts a predominantly homegrown squad, with a few foreign players including Brazilian Rafa, Gabon forward Fahd Ndzengue, and Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye. Club captain and the most experienced player is former North Macedonia striker Besart Ibraimi, aged 39. In the preceding round, Kosovan pair Endrit Krasniqi and Almir Kryeziu scored crucial goals, while Marko Gjorgjievski secured the tie with an 88th-minute goal for Shkendija in the second leg.
Last season, Shkendija made it to the league phase of the Conference League but was eliminated heavily on aggregate by Turkey's Samsunspor.
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