Lithuanian side FK Panevežys saw their UEFA Conference League campaign come to an end on Thursday after suffering a 2-3 penalty shootout defeat to Kazakhstan’s Tobol following a 1-1 draw in the second leg. The Kazakh club progressed 3-2 on aggregate, leaving Panevežys to focus solely on domestic competition for the remainder of the season.
Just as in the first leg in Lithuania, Panevežys struck first. Lithuanian international Nauris Petkevičius headed home to give the visitors the lead and level the tie on aggregate.
However, Tobol responded deep into first-half stoppage time through Amine Talal, whose equaliser sparked protests from the Panevežys players over a possible handball in the build-up. The officials allowed the goal to stand, sending the teams into the break level on the night.
The home side created the better chances after the interval and throughout extra time, but neither team could find another breakthrough, forcing the tie to be decided by a penalty shootout.
The drama continued from the spot. Rokas Rasimavičius struck the crossbar with Panevežys’ opening penalty, but goalkeeper Vytautas Černiauskas kept his side alive by saving Pape-Alioune Ndiaye’s attempt.
Although defender Seydina Keita also missed for the Lithuanian club, Černiauskas produced another crucial save to give Panevėžys renewed hope.
The decisive moment came when striker Marko Bačanin was denied by the Tobol goalkeeper, allowing the Kazakh side to seal a 3-2 victory in the shootout and eliminate Panevežys from the UEFA Conference League.
Tobol vs FK Panevežys – 1-1 (1-1) (2-2 on aggregate, 3-2 Tobol after penalty kicks)
Goals: Talal 45+3′ | Petkevičius 33′
