A goal by Geoffrey Acheampong early in the second half handed Birkirkara a narrow win over FC Petrocub of Moldova in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday.

Coach Stefano De Angelis handed new signings goalkeeper Miguel Martinez, Stefan Marjanovic, Marcos Maydana, Lucas Macula and Franklin Sasere their debut. 

The visitors created the better chances throughout the first half with the first attempt at goal occurring after eight minutes with Teodor Lungu trying his luck with a shot from outside the area ending high. Two minutes later, a VIctor Bogaciuc effort from the right was deflected into a corner and on 16 minutes, Lungu headed just wide from close range. 

Five minutes from the end of the first half, goalkeeper Miguel Martinez came to the rescue for Birkirkara performing a good save on another close range header by Nicolae Rotaru. 

Six minutes in the second half, Lungu tested Martinez with a long-distance effort which was neutralised by the Birkirkara custodian.

However three minutes later, Birkirkara took the lead when Geoffrey Acheampong gained possession just outside the area and dashed into the area, pulling to the right and beating goalkeeper Silviu Smalnea with an angled shot.

Petrocub replied with a Mihai Lupan effort who controlled the ball on the edge of the area and hitting low with the ball ending just past the upright on 66 minutes. The Moldovans went close once again with a freekick by Teodor Lungu ending just wide.

On 90 minutes, Birkirkara went close to doubling the score but Franklin Sasere headed just over the bar off a Shaun Dimech freekick from the right and in added time, Smalenea blocked a powerful drive by Dimech with Martinez finally performing a good save on a cross shot by Sergiu Platica deep into stoppage time.

The second leg will be played at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau on Thursday. The team which emerges as winner will be facing the loser of the UEFA Europa League clash between Sabah FC of Azerbaijan and NK Celje of Slovenia. 

BIRKIRKARA Miguel Martinez, Luis Cordova, Stefan Marjanovic, Alexander Satariano, Leandro Lacunza, Neil Micallef, Franklin Sasere, Marcos Maydama, Geoffrey Acheampong (88′ Shaun Dimech), Donovan Makoma, Lucas Macula (71′ Kemar Reid).

PETROCUB Silviu Smalenea, Sergiu Platica, Petru Popescu (65′ Mihai Lupan), Nicolae Rotaru (65′ Maxim Cojocaru), Cedric Ngah, Dan Puscas (72′ Dimitru Demian), Teodor Lungu, Jessie Djou, Ion Bors, Victor Bogaciuc (81′ Cristian Pascalauta), Ion Jardan.

Referee: Vlatko Ilioski MKD

Assistant Referees: Kristijan Djonov, Martin Petkovski MKD

Fourth Official: Benjamin Kjerimi MKD