Bohemians fought Ballkani of Kosovo to an aggregate 4-4 over 210 minutes in their Conference League 2nd qualifying game. But in the 2nd leg’s penalty shoot-out Thursday night, the ball hit the back of the net nine more times, and the outcome was 5-4 for the Irish visitors to Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina.
Ballkani's first hit the post, while Bohemian got all five of theirs, via Colm Whelan, Dawson Devoy, Cian Byrne, Dayle Rooney and Jordan Flores.
The Dublin side took a 2-1 lead to Kosovo, but the local side equalized on aggregate in the 10th minute. Then after Adam McDonnell was taken down Bohs got a penalty, which was duly converted by Douglas James-Taylor in the 20th minute. Two goals from Ballkani, in the 50th and the 58th minute, put them 3-1 ahead on the night and 4-3 in the tie overall, before the American Patrick Hickey headed in from a corner kick in the 88th minute to force extra time. There were no goals in the sweltering Pristina heat in the following 30 minutes, forcing the decisive shootout.
Next week at home, Bohemians will face FC Midtylland of Denmark, who have exited the Europa League. The Dubliners are guaranteed €1 million in UEFA prize money.
Bohemians: Paul Walters; Darragh Power (Connor Parsons 75), Patrick Hickey, Sam Todd, Senan Mullen (Markuss Strods 75); Dawson Devoy, Jordan Flores; Ross Tierney, Adam McDonnell (Colm Whelan 64), Harry Vaughan (Cian Byrne 98); Douglas James-Taylor (Dayle Rooney 64).
