KF Ballkani edged out Connah's Quay Nomads 3-2 in the first leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier. The Kosovan side raced into a three-goal lead before the Welsh visitors mounted a spirited fightback.
Edvin Kuč opened the scoring in the 20th minute from an Abou Dosso assist. Giovanni doubled the lead early in the second half, and Valentin Serebe made it 3-0 just before the hour mark. But Connah's Quay responded through Max Woodcock in the 69th minute and then a Hussein Mehasseb strike seven minutes later to set up a nervy finish.
Despite controlling large parts of the game, Ballkani were left hanging on as the Nomads pushed for an equaliser. The hosts will take a narrow advantage into the second leg, but the Welsh side's two away goals could prove crucial.
