Hibernian Hold Gent After Elding Penalty Miss in Conference League Play-off

Hibernian returned from Belgium with a 0-0 draw against Gent in the first leg of their Conference League play-off, leaving the tie level before next week's return at Easter Road. BBC Sport reported that approximately 1,000 Hibs supporters attended at the Planet Group Arena as David Gray's team recorded a third consecutive clean sheet.

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The Scottish side had the clearest opportunity of the match after Gent conceded a penalty for a challenge on Warren O'Hora. Owen Elding took the spot kick, but Gent captain and goalkeeper Davy Roef reacted quickly to save the 20-year-old's attempt as he aimed for the corner. The miss kept the game scoreless after 15 minutes.

Gent controlled long stretches of the contest, but Hibernian's defensive structure limited the home side's opportunities. BBC Sport said Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was not required to make a significant save. O'Hora played in the back line alongside Jason Kerr and Jordan Obita, while Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa operated in central midfield.

Gray described the result as a major away performance but stressed that Hibernian had not yet achieved qualification. He acknowledged that his team did not offer enough attacking threat, while praising its courage, physical display, organisation and execution of the game plan. The head coach also highlighted Mulligan and Chaiwa for their work in midfield.

Hibernian captain O'Hora said Elding apologised to his teammates at half-time before urging them to maintain their momentum. O'Hora backed the young forward after the miss and said Elding continued to seek ways to influence the match rather than withdrawing from the contest. Elding joined Hibs this season and has received significant responsibility early in his time at the club.

The draw follows another scoreless European away match for Hibernian, who held Shkendija in North Macedonia before eliminating them in the previous round. Hibs are attempting to reach the league phase of a European competition for the first time. Gent entered the match unbeaten in the early part of their domestic season after advancing past Gothenburg in qualifying, but the play-off will now be settled in Edinburgh.