UEFA Europa League: Sliema fight back to earn draw

Khazar managed to take the lead on the 13^th minute when off a cross by Tounkara, Nildo Franca Junior beat goalkeeper Glenn Zammit with his shot.

Khazar continued to press to increase their lead, but Sliema managed to hold on.

On the 62^nd minute, Sliema managed to score the important equaliser. Stanley Nka Ohawuchi beat goalkeeper Antonio Doblas with his shot after receiving a perfect pass from John Mintoff.

On the 83^rd minute, Khazar were reduced to ten men after Elnur Allahverdiyev was sent off after receiving his second yellow card of the match.

The second leg will be played at the City Stadium in Lankran on Thursday, 11 July.

Sliema Wanderers:  Glenn Zammit, Beppe Muscat (94′ Branislav Timotic), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Stefano Bianciardi, Alex Muscat, Paltemio Barbetti, Matias Muchardi, Mark Scerri, Stanley Nka Ohawuchi, John Mintoff (83′ Luca Martinelli), Trevor Cilia (53′ Ariel Laudisi).

FC Khazar Lankaran: Antonio Doblas, Vanderson Scarduelli (59′ Adrian Pit), Alvaro Silva, Elnur Allahverdiyev, Sadio Tounkara, Elnur Abdullayev, Zoahir Benuahi, Radomir Todorov, Adrian Scarlatache, Marin Orsulic (67′ Rasim Ramaldanov), Nildo Franca Junior (50′ Nicola Gligorov).

Referee: Eiko Saar (EST)

Assistant referees: Silver Koiv (EST), Jaanus Mutli (EST)

Fourth official: Jaan Roos (EST)

Yellow Cards: Allahverdiyev, Marin, B. Muscat, Silva, Scerri, Ohawuchi, Barbetti

Red Cards: Allahverdiyev