Nigerian midfielder Ejike Opara got off the mark in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, but his goal wasn’t enough to give Novi Pazar a winning start in their European journey.
The Serbian side suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 home defeat to Polish visitors Jagiellonia in the first leg of their Europa Conference League Qualification Round 2 clash at the Gradski Stadion, Footballrover reports.
Ejike Opara’s Early Brilliance Cancelled Out by Late Heartbreak
Despite going behind early, Pazar quickly responded thanks to the 20-year-old Nigerian, who scored the equaliser in the 19th minute.
The visitors had taken the lead in the 9th minute when Dimitris Rallis fired home to silence the home crowd.
Opara’s goal brought hope, and the Serbian side ended the first half level at 1-1. It was a spirited response and showed the Nigerian forward’s attacking instincts in European football.
Novi Pazar Reduced to Ten, Pululu’s Late Strike Seals It for Jagiellonia
The second half remained tight, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.
Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Afimico Pululu, who came on as a substitute, scored in the 95th minute to steal victory for Jagiellonia.
To compound their troubles, Pazar were reduced to ten men after Ivan Davidovic received a second yellow card in the 88th minute, just before the decisive goal.
Now, Opara and his teammates face an uphill battle as they prepare for the return leg away in Poland.
They’ll need a composed, clinical display if they’re to keep their Conference League hopes alive.
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