The heady refrain “FC Sion, European Cup” will continue to resonate at Tourbillon. Although they suffered during a half, the Valaisans took the upper hand over the Armenians of Noah FC (2-1, 4-3 over the two matches) and thus joined for the last qualifying round of the Conference League.
However, the disaster scenario seemed to be taking shape for a long time on Thursday evening in Valais. FC Sion returned to the locker room trailing by a length after a very complicated first half. The Armenian opening score came from the penalty spot (25th, 0-1) following a gross error by captain Ali Kabacalman.
Two splendid strikes
However, Didier Tholot was able to find the right words during the break to re-mobilize his men. They returned to the field with much better intentions, chaining together chances until a deserved equalizer.
This came from the feet of the inevitable Winsley Boteli (53rd, 1-1). The jewel of FC Sion lit the top corner of the opposing goalkeeper with a pure and clear strike. Enough to rekindle the flame in a Tourbillon Stadium filled with 8,150 spectators.
The goal of deliverance arrived a few minutes later. Also on a magnificent strike. Baltazar’s shot (63rd, 2-1) at ground level left the Noah FC goalkeeper absolutely no chance. Dominant, FC Sion did not manage to take off, but it never suffered to maintain its advantage.
In the next round, the Valaisans will come up against a big name in European football: Ajax. The first leg will take place next Thursday at Tourbillon. FC Sion will travel to Amsterdam the following week.
