Samsunspor Advances in UEFA Conference League After Victory Over Shkendija

Samsunspor secured a 1-0 victory against Shkendija in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League Play-Off round, played in North Macedonia on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The win puts the Turkish side in a favorable position heading into the return leg.

Match Highlights

The match saw a missed penalty opportunity for Samsunspor in the 6th minute, with Cherif Ndiaye’s attempt saved by Shkendija’s goalkeeper, Baboucarr Gaye. Despite the early setback, Samsunspor continued to press for a goal.

The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when Marius Mouandilmadji scored the winning goal, assisted by Carlo Holse. Holse’s cross from the right found Mouandilmadji near the right post, allowing him to put the ball into the net.

Several other chances were created throughout the match. In the 17th minute, Fabrice Tamba’s attempt was deflected by goalkeeper Okan. Later, in the 54th minute, Kouadou Assoumou’s shot was saved by Gaye. Ndiaye also had a header saved by Gaye in the 66th minute.

Key Moments

• 6th Minute: Cherif Ndiaye misses penalty for Samsunspor.
• 77th Minute: Marius Mouandilmadji scores the winning goal for Samsunspor, assisted by Carlo Holse.

Lineups

Shkendija: Gaye, Murati, Fetai, Meliqi, Webster, Ramadani, Alhassan, Tamba, Zejnullai, Spahiu, Ibraimi.

Samsunspor: Okan Kocuk, Zeki, Satka, Van Drongelen, Tomasson, Makoumbou, Ntcham, Mendes, Holse, Assoumou, Ndiaye.

Looking Ahead

The second leg of the Play-Off round will be played in Samsun on February 26th. Samsunspor will then return to league action, facing Fatih Karagümrük. Shkendija will host Sileks in their next match.