Hibs' opponents Shkendija target successive league phase appearances

[Getty Images] Hibernian's reward for a thrilling comeback win over Kosovo's Malisheva is another Balkan assignment in the shape of North Macedonia's Shkendija. David Gray's side host the Macedonian First Football League runners-up in Thursday's Conference League third qualifying round first leg, after recovering from two down against Malisheva to win 4-3 on aggregate. Artim Pollozhani's side have come through two qualifying rounds. They defeated Gibraltar's Europa 6-0 over two legs but faced a much sterner test against Slovenia's Bravo. A 2-1 first-leg deficit was overturned in Skopje, with Shkendija benefitting from an own goal in their 3-1 home-leg victory. Shkendija's squad is primarily homegrown with a smattering of foreign players such as Brazilian Rafa, Gabon forward Fahd Ndzengue and Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye. Former North Macedonia striker Besart Ibraimi is club captain and at 39 is their most experienced player. Kosovan pair Endrit Krasniqi and Almir Kryeziu scored in the previous round and Marko Gjorgjievski's 88th-minute goal in the second leg settled the tie. Last season, Shkendija reached the league phase of the Conference League and progressed to the knockout play-off round, losing heavily on aggregate against Turkey's Samsunspor.