SLIEMA WANDERERS 1
Ohawuchi 40
FERENCVAROS 1
Nalepa 77
Sliema drew 1-1 against Ferencvaros in the opening leg of the first qualifying round of the Europa League at the National Stadium when their efforts were ruined a howler from Glen Zammit that gifted the equaliser to the visitors.
An intelligent run by Daniel Bode carved an opening inside the first seven minutes before his rising shot was smothered away by Glen Zammit, the Sliema goalkeeper.
Yet Hungarian defender Attila Busai sent Andrea Scosseze crashing to the ground in Sliema’s first venture in the penalty area from Alex Muscat’s free-kick shy the quarter of the hour mark. But from the ensuing spot-kick, Mifsud skewed his low effort wide.
Ohawuchi’s brisk movement was giving the Hungarian defenders a torrid time. In the 40th minute, the Nigerian accelerated into the box and planted a low shot into the near corne after sweeping past two defenders.
One goal down by half-time, former Lazio midfielder Thomas Doll, now Ferencvaros coach brought on Brazilian striker Wergiton Calmon do Rosario and Vladan Cukic in a bid to raise their attacking efforts.
It was not to be though as Sliema continued to enjoy the lion’s share. Another mazy run by Ohawuchi on the flank spelled danger for the Hungarian side but his shot was well-saved by Dibusz. Mifsud’s run was block by the striped Greens’ rearguard but as the ball dropped on Mintoff’s feet, the winger hit a shot just over the bar.
In the 67th minute, Mifsud rounded the onrushing Dibusz but David Mateos reading the striker’s intention, got behind his goalkeeper and cleared off the line.
Nine minutes later, Ferencvaros levelled when Zammit made a mess of dealing with a free-kick by Stejpan Kukuruzovic when he somehow allowed the ball to spin off his gloves and Michal Nalepa prodded the ball home.
The Blues hit back through Ohawuchi who headed Barbetti ‘s delivery just wide. Sliema’s frustration was clear four minutes from time when Muscat’s free-kick found Scozzese on the left whose volley crashed against the post as Sliema were unable to restore their advantage.