Hibernian’s quest for Conference League football is in jeopardy after a 2-0 humbling by unfancied Kosovan outfit Malisheva.
Kreshnik Uka stunned David Gray’s side in the first leg of the second qualifying tie at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina when he opened the scoring in the 21st minute from close range.
Hibs stepped up the pressure after the break and new signing Nathan Lowe missed a couple of chances as they stepped up the pressure but home substitute Valjmir Nafiu added a second in the 90th minute on the break to leave the Scots with a rescue mission in the second leg at Easter Road next week.
It was another abject night for Scottish football in Europe as the Leith side came up short against a club that is only a decade old.
On-loan Stoke striker Lowe was the only new signing in Gray’s side for the first competitive game of the season.
Hibs, who secured their European place with a fifth-placed finish in the William Hill Premiership last season, looked comfortable enough in the early stages, in front of a sparse crowd.
In the seventh minute forward Owen Elding had a looping header from a Felix Passlack cross cleared off the line by Malisheva captain Dreni Kryeziu, with keeper Ilir Avdyli beaten.
The home side showed little in attack until the 15th minute when midfielder Arlind Veliu had an effort from inside the Hibs box deflected over the bar for a corner which came to nothing.
However, Malisheva kept pushing and when Veliu made his way down the left and cut the ball back into the box, Dzemal Ibishi missed the first contact but Uka stabbed the ball low past Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger.
Hibs’ response was lukewarm, notwithstanding a header from defender Grant Hanley that was easily saved by Avdyli.
Adam Mayor, Hibs’ summer signing from Millwall, replaced Jack Iredale for the second half and the Edinburgh side enjoyed more of the ball and put on some pressure.
Lowe hit the outside of a post and the ball then flew behind when he found himself through on goal in the 51st minute. Miguel Chaiwa soon blazed an effort over the bar following a corner.
The visitors kept pushing and in the 66th minute Lowe raced clear but missed the target with an unconvincing drive.
At the other end, Sallinger was pleased to see a header from Donart Vitija land in his arms.
The game became disjointed and scrappy in the final stages but Hibs were again stunned in the final minute of normal time when Nafiu fired high into the net after being brilliantly set up Uka on the counter.
Gray’s side now have it all to do in the return game at home next week.
