Hibernian moved a significant step closer to a lucrative place in the Conference League league phase after grinding out a goalless draw away to Belgian side KAA Gent in the first leg of their play-off tie on Thursday night.
David Gray's side produced a disciplined and defensively resolute display in Belgium, following up their composed away win over Shkendija in North Macedonia in the previous round. The result leaves Hibs firmly in control of the tie heading into next week's second leg at Easter Road, where a passionate home crowd will hope to see the club reach the group stage of European football for the first time in its history.
Gent, who are unbeaten domestically so far this season and eliminated Gothenburg to reach this stage, started the stronger side and pinned Hibs back for long spells early on. The home side were handed a golden opportunity when Warren O'Hora was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty. Owen Elding stepped up to take it, but Gent goalkeeper and captain Davy Roef produced a strong save low to his right to deny the young Hibs forward, continuing a habit of shot-stopping heroics in high-pressure moments after also excelling in a penalty shootout against Cherkasy earlier in the competition.
Despite the setback, Hibs regrouped and grew into the contest, limiting Gent to few clear-cut opportunities for the remainder of the match. Goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was rarely troubled, and the visitors' back three of O'Hora, Jason Kerr and Jordan Obita kept a firm grip on proceedings to secure a third consecutive clean sheet.
Speaking after the match, O'Hora praised Elding's reaction to missing the penalty, revealing the forward had apologized to teammates at half-time despite Hibs' dominant defensive showing. "Owen came in at half-time, said 'sorry about the penalty boys, but we're on top so let's keep going,'" O'Hora told BBC Scotland. "That's just the way he is. There was a little arm round him, then he shows how much of a man he is already, at such a young age. Credit to him for that. He didn't shy away from things, he just keeps going and waits for the next one."
O'Hora added a touch of humor regarding his own reluctance to ever take a penalty. "He's got plenty of penalties to take in the rest of his career. I said it to him in the dressing room after the game 'I've never taken a penalty in my career, I don't plan on doing it, either.' I don't envy him one bit for that. He's been brilliant for us so there's nothing for him to worry about."
Head coach David Gray was pleased with his side's away performance but cautioned against complacency ahead of the second leg. "We didn't carry enough threat but the players showed real courage and we were worth the clean sheet," he said. "A massive performance and massive result, away from home in Europe against a very good side. Physically we were excellent. I don't like singling players out but the two boys in the middle of the pitch [Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa] especially. They've got a lot of threats but we restricted them to very few chances."
Gray highlighted his team's tactical discipline and self-belief as key factors in the result, while stressing that the tie remains unresolved. "The discipline, organisation, but also belief in the game plan [was pleasing]. It is only half-time in the tie, I'm not getting carried away here. We've achieved nothing yet."
Hibs will now look to complete the job on home soil next Thursday, with a place in the Conference League league phase — and the financial windfall of more than £5m that comes with it — within reach.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.