Hibernians, Gzira target third qualifying round spot

Hibernians and Gzira United will be aiming for a spot in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League as they face Levadia Tallinn of Estonia and Radnicki Nis of Serbia in the second leg of the second qualifying round on Thursday.

The Paolites face Levadia at the A Le Coq Arena while the Maroons meet Radnicki at the Stadion Cair. Both matches kick-off at 19:00.

At the Centenary Stadium last week, Hibernians won 3-2. Goals by Ferdinando Apap and Jurgen Degabriele handed them a 2-0 lead in the first half but late in the game, Levadia reduced the gap and although Yunusa Muritala restored the two-goal lead, the Estonians scored again to narrow the gap to just one goal.

In Tallinn, a draw would be enough for the Paolites to reach the third qualifying round where they would be facng RFS of Latvia. In case of a defeat by one goal, extra-time would be necessary.

On the other hand, Gzira United have to beat Radnicki to progress to the next round following the 2-2 draw in the first leg. The Serbians took the lead mid-way through the first half but a brace by Maxiell Maia turned the score in their favour, only for Radnicki to notch a last-gasp equaliser.

In case of a draw, extra-time would be necessary and penalties would determine the winner if the result is still draw.

The winner would be facing Wolfsberger of Austria.