Ghanaian duo Michael Baidoo and Jalal Abdullai stole the show as Elfsborg secured a commanding 5-2 victory (Aggregate: 8-2) over Pafos FC in the Europa League Qualification Round 1.
The match at the Alphamega Stadium saw Baidoo start and play for 62 minutes, while Abdullai made a significant impact after coming on in the 57th minute. Their compatriot Terry Yegbe played the full game for Elfsborg, and Patrick Twumasi represented Pafos FC, coming on in the 76th minute.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 16th minute when Pafos defender João Correia was shown a red card for violent conduct. Despite the setback, Pafos managed to equalize after Elfsborg’s Timothy Ouma’s header was met with an own goal by Sebastian Holmén and a strike from Vlad Dragomir.
However, Elfsborg dominated the second half with Baidoo scoring in the 48th minute, followed by Andri Baldursson’s goal just a minute later. Abdullai then extended Elfsborg’s lead in the 59th minute, with an assist from Baidoo. Arbër Zeneli sealed the victory with a goal in the 86th minute.
Elfsborg will now shift their focus to their upcoming Allsvenskan game against Mjällby.
