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Steffen Schmidt - July 18, 2023
Egnatia vs Ararat Armenia
UEFA Conference League Qualification
Date: 20 July 2023, Thursday
Kick-off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Elbasan Arena (Elbasan).
Raphael Dwamena bagged the super-late equalizer for Egnatia seven days ago in Armenia to secure his team a positive result ahead of the rematch in Elbasan.
The Albanian outfit are now favorites to advance after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Yerevan. They will have a huge support from the crown on Thursday evening at Elbasan Arena.
This is generally Egnatia’s maiden appearance in any European competition. The team are going through the best days in their history after winning their inaugural trophy last season, beating Tirana in the final of the Albanian Cup.
Egnatia have a very interesting roster with Raphael Dwamena as the main star. The 27-year-old striker bagged 11 goals in 18 appearances last season in Albanian top flight and he will represent the main threat to Ararat’s goal in the reverse outing as well.
We also have to mention Brazilian midfielder Fernando Medeiros and Lithuanian striker Gytis Paulauskas as potential difference-makers in this tie.
Ararat also have several interesting internationals in their ranks, namely from Nigeria. Nevertheless, they had a disappointing campaign last season in Armenian Premier League, finishing only third behind Urartu and Pyunik.
Ararat Armenia are nowhere near the level they had back in 2019 and 2020 when they played back-to-back UEFA Europa League playoffs.
The Armenian outfit were eliminated at the start of the Conference League qualifications to Estonian side Paide last year.
Ararat Armenia have scored just one goal in the last three Conference League matches in the last two years. Egnatia are making history with their maiden appearance on the European scene.
The hosts have a positive result from the first leg and we believe the local crowd can help them jump above the inaugural obstacle on Thursday. The main bet is Egnatia to win at the 1.80 odds while we also like the Under 2.5 goals FT pick at the 1.66 odds.
