FC Malisheva Aims for European Success Against Hibernian in Conference League

Hibernian’s Conference League opponents FC Malisheva from Kosovo were only formed in 2016, starting in the nation’s fourth tier and securing top-flight football for the first time in 2021.

After consolidating with mid-table finishes, Malisheva finished third two seasons ago and second last term, finishing seven points behind champions Drita.

This is their third season attempting to qualify for the Conference League, having lost 3-1 on aggregate to Buducnost Podgorica of Montenegro in 2024 after a 1-0 home win.

Last season, they were thumped 9-0 over two legs by Vikingur Reykjavik following an 8-0 drubbing in Iceland.

However, their dismissal of Albanian side Vllaznia in the last round was a statement of intent as they secured their first ever victory in a European tie via a 5-0 second leg victory.

New signing Kreshnik Uka scored twice in that game and will pose a threat to Hibs, having hit 19 goals last season in Kosovo’s top-flight.