Shkëndija takes a crucial lead over the Romanian champion in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.

photo by KF Shkëndija Tetovo: Adamu Alhassan celebrates the match winner

Shkëndija showed early intent when captain Besart Ibraimi went in front of Ștefan Târnovanu, but his shot went wide. The visitors threatened with Juri Cisotti curling a shot in the 12th minute as Baboucarr Gaye saved it. Fabrice Tamba in the 33rd minute had a nice effort on goal, but the Romanian keeper was well placed. Four minutes later Florin Tănase hit the outside of the left net. FCSB had more attempts in the first half that ended goalless but with growing tension and physicality.

FCSB thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute, but Ngezana’s header goal was ruled out for foul play. In the 55th minute Tănase hit the right post. Three minutes later Darius Olaru fired a good shot that was nicely saved by Gaye. In the 61st minute Ibraimi served Tamba in a sprinting counter attack, but the later failed to beat Târnovanu one on one.

The breakthrough came in the 65th minute via substitute Adamu Alhassan’s towering header into the top corner following a pinpoint cross from the right flank by Aleksander Trumçi.

Just five minutes later, Shkëndija’s Kamer Qaka was sent off for a bad tackle, forcing the hosts to defend deep. But after nine minutes Tănase joined him early in the locker room after himself made a brutal foul and was red carded.

Shkëndija held firm despite late pressure and even had a good chance to double the lead in the 90th minute, but Târnovanu saved the attempts of Webster, Latifi and Ademi.

Highlights:

The return leg will be played on July 30th (Wednesday) at 19.30 CET at the National Arena in Bucharest.