KuPS and KF Drita began the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League phase campaign with a 1-1 draw. The result extends the hosts’ unbeaten record to three matches (W2, D1).
This was the first-ever H2H between KuPS and Drita, with the hosts facing Kosovan opposition for the first time, and there was almost an early opener when Otto Ruoppi was left shellshocked as visiting goalkeeper Faton Maloku kept out the striker’s effort with a stunning point-blank save.
In response, Arb Manaj fired a routine effort straight into Johannes Kreidl’s arms after 11 minutes, indicating the defending Kosovan champions’ intent on their maiden appearance beyond the initial hurdles of a UEFA competition-proper – after suffering elimination from the respective qualification rounds of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League this season.
Drita were dealt a blow shortly before the half-hour mark as attacking asset Veton Tusha – who came up with three goal contributions across his last four European encounters (G2, A1) - forcibly left the pitch via a stretcher following a robust challenge.
Ultimately, that delay took the sting out of the contest, with the only meaningful opportunity to break the deadlock throughout the rest of the first half seeing Kreidl pull off an expert save from Manaj’s rebound to keep the game goalless.
Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for the action to recommence as KuPS captain Petteri Pennanen fired an ambitious effort from distance, which ended up high in the stands after six minutes of the second half.
Back-and-forth swung the chance to mark the game’s opening goal, as Drita’s defensive midfielder Albert Dabiqaj somehow found a similar row in the crowd to Pennanen with his attempt from close range after an hour in Finland.
However, there were celebrations coming from the majority inside Tammelan Stadion after 74 minutes. Brought on by KuPS manager Jarkko Wiss to try and change the game, that is exactly what Jerry Voutilainen and Piotr Parzyszek did, as the latter hammered home the former’s delivery.
That lead only lasted six minutes as Dabiqaj finally got his name onto the scoresheet with an unstoppable header from Blerton Sheji’s cross.
It might have taken close to the majority of the contest, but Ruoppi and Maloku recommenced their one-on-one battle in the 85th minute, with Maloku sticking out an all-important outstretched leg to come out on top again.
Two second-half goals get KuPS and Drita on the board at the first time of asking, as the competition takes a three-week hiatus before making its return.
The 2024/25 Finnish champions will next travel to Iceland to take on Breiðablik, while tonight’s visitors return to Kosovo, as they welcome Omonoia FC.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Albert Dabiqaj (Drita)
