Greg . 8 hours ago

No goals in Moldova sees KuPS roll on in UCL Qualifiers

A goalless sketch in Orhei, Moldova was enough for Finnish champions KuPS to secure progression to the Second Qualifying Round in the UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 win on aggregate.

Otto Ruoppi's second-half strike in Kuopio last week meant KuPS travelled south with the narrowest of leads to protect ahead of their second trip to confront Milsami in three seasons.

The previous meeting was a UEFA Conference League Qualifying tie which terminated 6-3 to the Finnish club on aggregate, but it became clear early on there was no chance of a repeat scoreline tonight.

The hosts' Kabamba Kalabatama was the first to move close, but his powerful strike skewed the wrong side of the post.

Midway through the first half, KuPS tested Emil Timbur in the Orhei goal, but he was equal to Agon Sadiku's effort.

There was a heart-in-mouth moment for the Kuopio side in first-half added time, but Hennos Asmelash was unable to keep his header down following a great cross from Abdoul Yoda.

In the second half, Radu Ginsari possessed multiple opportunities, but neither he, Kalabatama nor Nabil Khali could locate that extra snapped of composure to obtain the better of Johannes Kreidl in the KuPS goal.

Milsami possessed 11 efforts in the second half alone, but only two compelled a save from Kreidl.

Not only that, they both reached before the hour mark, allowing KuPS to slowly close out the marginal victory.

It is the second season in succession that KuPS have made it to the Second Qualifying Round, and this time they will confront the champions of Kazakhstan, Kairat.

Pursue the UCL Qualifiers on Betopick.