Ghanaian midfielder Prosper Ahiabu scored the decisive goal as FC Inter Turku beat FC Vaduz 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying-round tie.
Ahiabu struck in the 68th minute at the Veritas Stadion to restore Inter Turku’s lead and give the Finnish side a narrow advantage ahead of next week’s return leg in Liechtenstein.
Inter Turku took the lead when Julian Stark put the ball into his own net, but Vaduz responded through Dejan Sorgic to level the contest.
Ahiabu then produced the decisive moment, finding the net in the second half to put the hosts back in front.
The 2-1 victory gives Inter Turku an important advantage, although the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the second leg at the Rheinpark Stadion on Thursday, 13 August.
Ahiabu has been increasingly influential during Inter Turku’s run in the competition.
In the first qualifying round against Sarajevo, the Ghanaian provided the assist for Clinton Jephta’s late winner as Inter Turku secured a 2-1 victory.
He was also involved when the Finnish club eliminated Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir in the second qualifying round, helping Inter Turku progress through another difficult tie.
Against Vaduz, however, Ahiabu took centre stage himself.
His goal adds another highlight to an impressive European campaign for the midfielder, who has become one of the important contributors to Inter Turku’s run.
The Finnish club will now travel to Liechtenstein with a 2-1 lead and the knowledge that victory or a draw in the second leg would send them through to the fourth qualifying round.
Inter Turku’s progress has been particularly notable, with the club continuing a run that has taken them through three rounds of European qualifying.
The second leg will determine whether they can take the final step towards the Conference League league phase.
If Inter Turku eliminate Vaduz, they will face either Copenhagen or Debrecen in the fourth and final qualifying round.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Source link
