SLIGO ROVERS SUFFERED a narrow defeat to Norwegian side Molde on their Champions League debut in front of a capacity Showgrounds tonight.
Daniel Chima Chukwu scored the only goal of the game on 42 minutes meaning the Airtricity League Premier Division champions will have it all to do in the away leg on Tuesday.
There was a carnival atmosphere around the stadium before kick-off with 3,840 fans showing up for the historic occasion.
The Bit O’Red, missing Danny Ventre, Aaron Greene and Raffael Cretaro, started with Anthony Elding as the lone striker while full-back Alan Keane was left out of the starting line-up.
Chances were few and far between during the early stages but Sligo came agonisingly close through David McMillan on 24 minutes. The former UCD forward forced Orjan Haskjold into a terrific save with a curling shot.
Molde, who are managed by former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, were efficient with their possession and took the lead three minutes before the break – with Nigerian attacker Chukwu finishing past Gary Rogers.
The visitors seemed content with their lead in the second half and invited Sligo onto them. On 66 minutes, veteran midfielder Joseph Ndo won possession on the edge of the box but shot just wide of the post.
With the introduction of Kieran Dijali, Sligo then enjoyed their best spell of the game and pushed for an equaliser.
They were unable to find that all-important goal, however, as Molde gladly held out for a 1-0 win.
Sligo Rovers: Rogers, Davoren, Peers (c), E McMillan, Henderson, Lynch, Ndo, Conneely, Elding, Gaynor, D McMillan. Subs: Dijali (59), Keane (72), Martin (78).Molde: Haskjold, Linnes, Sinonsen, Forren, Toivio, Hestad (c), Ekpo, Mostrom, Berget, Coly, Chima. Subs: Agnaldo (61), Tripic (76), Hovland (83).
