Milsami secures stunning comeback win with nine players
Milsami Orhei secured a 3-2 victory against AC Virtus in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round.
Playing at the Zimbru Stadium, the "Red Eagles" opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a goal from Christopher Nwaeze. Just before halftime, Milsami was reduced to ten men after Andrei Cobeț was shown a straight red card for unsportsmanlike conduct.
After the break, Virtus capitalized on their numerical advantage, with 37-year-old veteran Stefano Scappini scoring the equalizer in the 51st minute following a defensive error. Later, team captain Radu Gînsari was injured after being fouled by an opponent. The referee awarded a foul, but the Moldovan footballer was unable to continue and had to be substituted.
Nabil Khali got his revenge by scoring a stunning free-kick. However, Milsami's lead was short-lived, as Virtus equalized again just 12 minutes later. Scappini converted a penalty to complete his brace. Milsami's nightmare continued when Frederick Takyi received a second yellow card, leaving the team with just nine players on the field.
Despite being two men down, the Orhei-based team snatched a late victory. In the 88th minute, Ime Ndon scored from close range after a schoolboy error from the opposing goalkeeper.
The return match between AC Virtus and Milsami Orhei is scheduled for exactly one week from now in San Marino. If Milsami qualifies for the Conference League play-offs, they will face the loser of the two-legged tie between Bosnian side HŠK Zrinjski Mostar and Icelandic club FC Breiðablik.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
