Poltava "Vorskla" started the new season with a second qualifying round match of the Conference League against Georgia's bronze medalist from the 2022 championship — "Dila". The nominal home game was played in the Polish city of Tychy.

Interestingly, the Goris team is led by Ukrainian specialist Andriy Demchenko. Today, two of our compatriots were in the starting lineup — goalkeeper Kucherenko and forward Kovtalyuk.

The match began with a dangerous attack from the Georgians — Gomes finished the cross with an attempt over the bar. Shortly after, Felipe was inaccurate for "Vorskla". Later, Dzocenidze failed to score with a weak shot in the area.

At the 19th minute, Kovtalyuk received the ball in front of the goal but could not beat Isenko. The Poltavans responded quickly with a counterattack that ended with Kane's shot being saved and Yurchenko's header over the bar. Later, Chesnakov made a corner kick — captain of the white-and-greens missed high.

At the start of the second half, both teams exchanged inaccurate shots. However, on the 57th minute "Dila" surprisingly took the lead — Victor's cross from the right flank was finished by Kovtalyuk with a shot.

After this, "Vorskla" quickly gained initiative and started creating chances. First, Felipe failed to score after a corner kick, then Kucherenko saved Chelyadin's long-range shot and Stepaniuk's attempt. But at the 73rd minute Poltavans equalized — Stepaniuk intercepted the ball, Yurchenko played Felipe into position for an accurate shot.

The end of the match was dominated by Ukrainians, and in added time "Vorskla" scored again. After a cross from Felipe, the goalkeeper cleared to the corner where Kane hit it with his second touch straight into the net. Thus, Poltavans have won 2-1, which is their first victory for Ukrainian teams in this European season.

Conference League-2023/2024. Second qualifying round. First leg

"Vorskla" (Ukraine) — "Dila" (Georgia) — 2:1 (0:0)

Goals: Felipe (73), Kane (90+3) — Kovtalyuk (57).

"Vorskla": Isenko, Perduta, Chesnakov (c), Santana (Khripchuk, 83), Krups'kyi, Felipe, Pavlyk, Yurchenko (Nesterenko, 74), Kane, Stepaniuk, Chelyadin (Skliar, 74).

Substitutes: Domolega, Ermolov, Ramirez, Kulakovs'kyi, Izotov, Tuzenko, Chernish, Odentsov.

Coach: Viktor Shtepanok.

"Dila": Kucherenko, Chiteishvili, Dzocenidze, Tevdadze, Vanderon, Victor (Andronikashvili, 69), Santos (c), Parulava (Sardalishvili, 69), Gomes (Khukianidze, 80), Kovtalyuk, Gayl (Mzwakal, 74).

Substitutes: Chikashua, Gaprindashvili, Assamoah, Etu.

Coach: Andriy Demchenko.

Referee: Nikolay Popov (Bulgaria).

Yellow cards: Chesnakov (34), Felipe (39), Pavlyk (90+5) — Tevdadze (56), Andronikashvili (90+3), Kovtalyuk (90+5), Dzocenidze (90+5).

July 27. Tychy. City Stadium.

The return match will take place in the Georgian city of Goris at the stadium named after Tengiz Burjanadze on Thursday, August 3 (kickoff — 8 p.m. Kyiv time).