31 August 2007, by Tom Kundert

N’Gal hits last-gasp winner to send Leiria into Uefa Cup

Maccabi Netanya 0-1 Leiria (agg. 0-1)

After 177 minutes of football without a goal, Leiria substitute N’Gal hit a superb winner three minutes from the end of normal time in Israel last night to qualify the Portuguese team for this season’s Uefa Cup.

The 1-0 aggregate victory over Maccabi Netanya was thoroughly deserved by Paulo Duarte’s team, who join Braga, Belenenses and Pacos de Ferreira in today’s draw at midday for the first round proper of the competition.

Leiria arrived in Israel with everything to play for after a goalless first leg a fortnight ago, and proceeded to dominate the first half, albeit without creating much in the way of clear-cut chances. Eder had the best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes when he headed a corner just past the post on 15 minutes.

The second half started with problems for Leiria as defenders Hugo Costa and Renato were both forced off the pitch through injury.

Maccabi Netanya began to look more dangerous and only a magnificent flying save by Fernando from a point-blank header kept the scores level.

N’Gal entered the fray on the hour mark for Sougou, and the speedy Cameroonian immediately caused problems for the home defence. Cadu da Silva came desperately close to scoring in the 70th minute but the Israeli goalkeeper produced an excellent stop.

With extra time looming, a swift attack down the left flank led to a low pass across the edge of the box, which N’Gal latched onto and produced a sweet right-foot shot with the outside of his foot that whistled into the net to spark wild celebrations among the Leiria team and bench.

After beating Croatian side Hajduk Kula in the Intertoto Cup, Leiria claim another notable scalp and will now set their sights on reaching the group stage of this year’s Uefa Cup.

Maccabi Netanya:
Strauber, Saban, Luis Marim, Avi Strool, Ben Dayan, Almog Gohen (Yampulski, 69), Amir Taga, Tamir Cohen, Etey Shechter, Marius Bundea (Rozental, 80), Awudu Okocha
Yellow Cards: Ben Dayan (40), Amir Taga (63)

Uniao de Leiria:
Fernando, Eder, Renato (Alhandra, 51), Hugo Costa (Bruno Miguel, 46), Laranjeiro, Tiago, Faria, Cadu, Joao Paulo, Sougou (N’Gal, 61), Paulo Cesar
Yellow Cards: Laranjeiro (81)

Goals:
[0-1] N’Gal, 87