Sarajevo grateful for Genk gift

A "gift goal" at KRC Genk last night has left Bosnia-Herzegovnian champions FK Sarajevo close to their dream of a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round place.

Early blunder
The visitors took a shock lead at the Cristal Arena as Eric Matoukou's misplaced back-pass allowed Admir Raščić to tap the ball into Logan Bailly's net unopposed after 14 minutes, and while Hans Cornelis levelled the scores, tidying up after his penalty kick was saved by Muhamed Aliam, substitute Almir Turković ensured Sarajevo got full value for their lucky break by racing through to set up Veldin Muharemović for the winner four minutes from time.

'Gift goal'
Sarajevo coach Husref Musemić was understandably thrilled with the 2-1 win, all the more so as it represented vindication for his unusual team selection, which saw veteran forward Turković start on the bench. "We prepared to spring a surprise," he said. "That's why I started without Turković, but we didn't expect to win. We took advantage of a gift goal. That goal gave us the confidence to play the whole match at the same tempo."

'Not over yet'
A sizeable contingent of Sarajevo fans, drawn from all over western Europe, celebrated in Genk after the final whistle, but Musemić knows they will need the support of a great home crowd at the Olympic Stadium in the Sarajevo suburb of Kosevo next Wednesday if they are to complete their mission. "Back in Kosevo, we will have to be very careful," insisted the coach. "It's not over yet."