Rakow edge Omonia Nicosia to finish second in league phase and enter last 16

Rakow Czestochowa earned another win in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
Rakow Czestochowa earned another win in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.MARCIN GOLBA / NURPHOTO / NURPHOTO VIA AFP

Rakow Czestochowa defeated Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in Cyprus to secure second spot in the UEFA Conference League and a place in the last 16 of the competition. Their hosts, meanwhile, will have to settle for a place in the play-offs.

With this being a game where both teams were hoping to find three points to qualify in the top-eight places, it began very tensely. Both sides found themselves in good positions but the two respective defences remained compact as it looked as though nerves got the better of them in a cagey first half with little action in front of goal.

However, that changed very quickly after the break thanks to a wicked free-kick delivery from Michael Ameyaw. His vicious inswinging delivery from the left may well have been going in anyway but Oskar Repka got a glancing header on it to make sure it beat Fabiano Freitas

Match Stats: Omonia Nicosia vs Rakow Czestochowa
Match Stats: Omonia Nicosia vs Rakow CzestochowaOpta by Stats Perform

The hosts struggled to muster up a response and the visitors controlled possession before Adriano Amorim whistled a long-range shot just over the crossbar. Ewandro was introduced just after the hour mark for Omonia and the Brazilian had a pair of good chances but he could not keep either on target much to the home crowd’s frustration.

As the clock continued to tick down, Ryan Mmaee brought down a long ball superbly on his chest before Ewandro attempted a back heel six yards from goal but, once again, he failed to test Oliwier Zych. 

Momentum
MomentumOpta by Stats Perform

Ultimately, Rakow saw out the remaining moments of the game to ensure they can put their feet up and watch the first knockout round to find out their opponents in the Last 16. 

Flashscore Player of the Match: Oskar Repka (Rakow Czestochowa)

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