Pro ShotsSøren Tengstedt is disappointed after a missed opportunity
NOS Voetbal•donderdag, 20:28
Go Ahead Eagles failed to get past Norwegian SK Brann in the second qualifying round of the Conference League. The team from Deventer played well at times and had a few clear-cut chances, but failed to score (0-0).
It was the first European match in the Adelaarshorst in almost sixty years. The stadium was sold out and the audience made a positive impression by producing a lot of noise.
“It’s always great here, whether you’re playing in the Eredivisie, First Division or Conference League,” said captain Mats Deijl afterwards. “They always give energy and today it helped us again.”
The return leg is in Bergen on Thursday 1 August. If Go Ahead makes it through, Valur or St. Mirren await in the next round. The first duel between the Icelanders and the Scots also ended in 0-0.
Outstanding Adekanye
Go Ahead Eagles started the match against Brann without some of last season’s key players, Willum Willumson (Birmingham City), Philippe Rommens (Ferencvaros) and Bas Kuipers (FC Twente) all made nice transfers in recent weeks.
ANPBobby Adekanye crosses
Coach René Hake also left to become Erik ten Hag’s assistant at Manchester United. His successor, Paul Simonis, made his official debut as coach of Go Ahead Eagles against Brann.
Winger Bobby Adekanye stayed and made his presence felt in the first half. He prepared Go Ahead’s first chance after fifteen minutes by putting Søren Tengstedt in a promising position, but the Dane’s shot was straight at the keeper.
Adekanye himself was then dangerous twice, but both of his shots went just wide.
Watch the reactions of coach Paul Simonis and captain Mats Deijl after the match:
Go Ahead sees opportunities after 0-0 against Brann: ‘Well-defended, still everything to play for’
The second half took place at a slower pace. Go Ahead Eagles has just started preparing for the new season, while Brann has already played half a season. In Norway, the football competition is played per calendar year.
Both teams seemed unable to create good chances, although it was Adekanye who came close again. After almost eighty minutes he dribbled dangerously into the penalty area, but failed to push the ball past the keeper.
“We had the best chances and could have won with a bit more luck,” said coach Simonis afterwards. “But it was close.”
Just before the end, Go Ahead suffered a setback. Eric Llansana was shown the red card after he had brought down an opponent who had broken through and will have to miss the return match in Norway in seven days.