TIRANA, Aug 20 /ATA/ – Albanian football champions Egnatia and Cup winners Dinamo face crucial European play-off first legs on Thursday evening, with both clubs aiming to take a decisive step towards the league phase of UEFA competitions.
Egnatia, coached by Nevil Dede, host Norway’s Lillestrøm in the Europa League play-off, while Dinamo welcome Cyprus’ Pafos in the Conference League play-off.
Egnatia have already secured a place in the Conference League phase but are seeking to go one step further and reach the Europa League. The match against Lillestrøm kicks off at 7 p.m., with the Albanian champions also benefiting from home advantage.
Dinamo take to the field at 9 p.m. in Tirana against Pafos, with the Albanian Cup holders looking to continue their European campaign after eliminating Aluminij and Auda in earlier qualifying rounds.
The team coached by Ilir Daja are two matches away from securing a place in the Conference League league phase, with Pafos standing between them and that goal.
Dinamo will also rely on Daja’s European experience. The veteran coach has previously guided both Skënderbeu and Kosovo’s Ballkani to the group stage of European competitions, bringing added experience to the club’s European campaign.
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