Europa League round-up: Annan, Ofori, Kumordzi & two others progress but Adjei-Boateng, Mensah, Reagan & Narh eliminated

There were mixed results for Ghanaian players in the Uefa Europa League as five players secured their place in the third round while six stars were eliminated from the competition.

Midfielder Anthony Annan and striker Richard Gadze were in the HJK Helsinki side that won 2-1 on aggregate against Bulgarian side PFC Beroe. Annan played the full throttle but former Dwarfs forward Gadze was unused in the game.

There was heartbreak for Ghanaian pair of Nasiru Mohammed and Abubakari Mohammed as their BK Hacken side slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Irish side Cork City and exited the competition on a 2-1 aggregate loss. Nasiru and Abubakari both played the full minutes of the game but defender Baba Mensah missed the tie with suspension.

Elsewhere Belgian side KRC Genk survived a scare from Montenegro side FK Budućnost Podgorica. Genk almost went the same way as their 2-0 first-leg lead was wiped out at Budućnost Podgorica, Radomir Djalović scoring inside the first 60 seconds. The Belgian side were reduced to ten men on 74 minutes but held on and won it on penalties. Ghanaian midfielder Bennard Kumordzi was sent off in the 74th minute for a bad foul on midfielder Djalovic.

Meanwhile former Ghana U20 attacker Francis Narh scored a classy finish for Bulgarian side Levski Sofia as they failed to win against Slovenian side Maribor. Narh's goal could not help his side avoid elimination as Maribor progressed on a superior goal aggregate.

Former Asante Kotoko youth team midfielder Obeng Reagan lasted 84 minutes for Serbian side Cukaricki who succumbed to a 3-1 aggregate loss against Hungarian side Videoton. Reagan impressed in the clash.

In Norway, there was disappointment for pair Mohammed Abu and Bismark Adjei-Boateng lost before their home fans as Danish side SønderjyskE picked a painful 4-3 win to progress at their expense.

There was a shock elimination for Scottish side Heart of Midlothian as the Jambos were beaten 2-1 by Maltese side Birkikara at the Tynecastle Stadium in Scotland. Ghanaian midfielder Prince Buaben missed a penalty.

Former Ghana Premier League pair Ebenezer Ofori and Patrick Kpodzo were involved for AIK as the Swedish side coasted to a slim 1-0 win and progressed on a 2-0 aggregate win.

By El Akyereko
Follow the writer on Twitter: @AkyerekOfficial