(Derry City win 5-4 on aggregate)
Derry City's Europa Conference League adventure will continue in Kazakhstan next Wednesday after advancing to the third qualifying round following a deserved aggregate win over Finnish side KuPS Kuopio.
The Brandywell men had to come from behind twice to seal a well-earned 3-3 draw at the Väre Areena.
Taking an early lead though Cian Kavanagh, Derry conceded twice before the break with Jasse Tuominen and Saku Savolainen putting the home side ahead at the interval. However, to their credit, Derry equalised thanks to Sadou Diallo's 55th minute strike to go back in front on aggregate.
Savolainen scored his second on the night moments later but Michael Duffy's stunning header just after the hour mark sealed the aggregate success.
The win means the Candystripes now travel to Kazakhstan to face Tobol, who shocked last season's Europa Conference League's semi-finalists Basel.
Just before kick-off, City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins raced over to the small, dedicated travelling support to show his appreciation. Derry didn't help themselves in the early stages though as they gifted possession twice in quick succession but fortunately for the visitors, Collins Sichenje fired wide from long range.
The deadlock was broken after 13 minutes as Paul McMullan raced clear down the right to latch onto Cameron Dummigan's pass, before his delightful centre found Cian Kavanagh and the big striker gleefully headed home from close range.
That Kavanagh goal was a massive blow to the home side and gave City a fantastic boost. Ronan Boyce, who was celebrating his 100th appearance for the club, headed just wide and Ben Doherty also went close as they grew stronger.
KuPS drew level after 24 minutes as Anton Popovitch's
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