AaB leave it late to beat Gent

Aalborg BK had Swedish midfielder Andreas Johansson to thank for the late goal that has sent them into UEFA Cup qualifying at the expense of KAA Gent.

Olufade opener
The Danish club, who overcame Finland’s FC Honka to reach the decisive UEFA Intertoto Cup third round, had drawn 1-1 in Belgium last week. They did even better than that impressive performance today by coming from behind for victory. Adekanmi Olufade had put the visitors in front just before the half-hour mark at the Aalborg Stadium but AaB were back on terms fairly quickly through defender Danny Califf.

Close contest
After a tense second half, Johansson, who has just arrived after three seasons with English club Wigan Athletic FC, finally scored the winner with his head in the 79th minute. Gent did all they could to find an equaliser that would take them through on away goals but the home defence, who showed the benefit of having already begun their 2007/08 domestic season, held firm. Aalborg have not played in the UEFA Cup since a 2005/06 first-round defeat by AJ Auxerre but will return to that stage should they come through the second qualifying round next month.