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2026-08-07 06:28 UTC → 2026-08-13 21:01 UTC ·
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Hibernian‑Shkendija Hibernian eliminates Shkendija from Conference League tie progresses
After overturning a 2‑0 first‑leg loss to Malisheva and advancing 4‑1 on aggregate, Hibernian travelled advanced to Easter Road for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League third‑qualifying‑round first leg after overcoming a 2–0 first-leg deficit against Kosovo’s KF Malisheva, winning 4–1 at Easter Road to secure a 4–3 aggregate victory. In the third qualifying round, Hibernian faced North Macedonian side Shkendija on 6 August. Coach Artim Polozani and his staff stressed the need for Shkendija. Following a positive result before the return leg 2–1 victory in Skopje, while manager David Gray called Shkendija “a very good team” and highlighted the home‑crowd advantage of around 15,000 supporters. Forward Owen Elding hoped a strong performance would secure his place first leg in the Republic of Ireland Nations League squad. The match ended 2‑1 Edinburgh, Hibernian held on to Hibernian, the decisive goal coming in the 91st minute. Shkendija’s midfielder Marco Gjorgjievski had equalised in the first half, but the late concession left win the Macedonian club trailing on tie with a 1–2 aggregate and needing score. Despite a win competitive performance in the second leg in Skopje Skopje, Shkendija was unable to stay in contention for overturn the play‑offs. Both clubs view deficit. Shkendija coach Artim Polozhani attributed the tie as loss to a key step toward reaching lack of clinical finishing and noted that the Conference League group stage for team was hampered by an injury to striker Marko Gjorgjievski during training, as well as the first time in their histories. The upcoming return fixture dry condition of the pitch in Skopje will test Skopje. With Shkendija’s resolve, while Hibernian will look to protect their narrow lead and advance further elimination, Macedonia has no remaining representatives in European competitions this season, and the competition. club has shifted its focus to its domestic league title pursuit.