UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifier Ends Goalless Between LNZ Cherkasy and KAA Gent

Cherkasy, Ukraine – July 24, 2026 – The first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round between Ukrainian side LNZ Cherkasy and Belgian visitors KAA Gent ended in a disciplined 0–0 stalemate at the Cherkasy Arena. Both sides created half‑chances but lacked the final touch in a tense, tactical affair that leaves the tie wide open ahead of the return leg in Belgium.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, LNZ Cherkasy approached the match with a compact defensive shape, looking to frustrate Gent’s more experienced European campaigners. Gent, under new‑season preparations, controlled possession for large spells but struggled to break through a well‑organized Ukrainian backline. The visitors’ best chance came in the 34th minute when a curling effort from winger Tarik Tissoudali forced a sharp save from LNZ goalkeeper Orest Budnyk. At the other end, LNZ threatened on the counter‑attack, with striker Denys Bezborodko heading just wide from a corner in the 58th minute.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Gent’s central midfielder Julien De Sart tested Budnyk with a low drive from 20 yards.
• 34th minute: Tissoudali’s dangerous shot from the edge of the box was tipped over the bar.
• 58th minute: Bezborodko’s free header from a corner drifted inches past the far post.
• 81st minute: Gent substitute Hugo Cuypers saw his close‑range effort blocked by a last‑ditch tackle from LNZ captain Taras Stepanenko.

Tactical Story

LNZ Cherkasy set up in a 5‑3‑2 low block, aiming to absorb pressure and launch quick transitions through the pace of winger Orest Kuzyk. Gent, deploying a 4‑3‑3 with high full‑backs, dominated territory but lacked incision in the final third. The absence of a traditional target man forced Gent to rely on speculative shots and crosses that were comfortably dealt with by the LNZ central defenders. The home side, meanwhile, struggled to maintain possession when they won the ball, often resorting to long balls that were easily read by Gent’s center‑back pairing.

Standout Players

• Orest Budnyk (LNZ): The goalkeeper was unbeatable on the night, making three crucial saves to preserve a clean sheet.
• Jordan Torunarigha (Gent): The centre‑back was imperious in the air and read the game well, snuffing out several dangerous counter‑attacks.
• Tarás Stepanenko (LNZ): The veteran captain marshalled the defense with authority, making two vital clearances inside the box.

Season & Table Impact

This goalless draw means the tie is perfectly balanced. The second leg in Ghent will take place on July 31, where Gent will be strong favourites on home soil. However, LNZ Cherkasy have proven they can frustrate higher‑profile opponents. Whoever advances will face either Basel or Tobol in the third qualifying round.