Hibernian produced a disciplined defensive display in the heat of Skopje to earn a goalless draw against Shkendija at the Todor Proeski National Arena.
The result secured a 2-1 aggregate victory for the Scottish Premiership club in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, setting up a play-off tie against Belgian side Gent.
Protecting a slender lead from the first leg at Easter Road, where Irish defender Warren O'Hora scored a late winning goal, Hibernian repelled late pressure from the hosts to preserve their advantage.
Following the final whistle, the Hibernian squad celebrated on the pitch in front of the 350 supporters who had travelled to North Macedonia for the fixture.
Manager reactions and squad changes
Hibernian manager David Gray praised the resilience of his squad after securing progress to the next round of European competition.
"Don't underestimate how big an achievement that is against a really good side," Gray said after the match. "It wasn't a brilliant game, but bodies on the line and our players stepped up. We found a way to get through and I'm delighted for the players, they thoroughly deserve it."
Gray highlighted the defensive discipline his team demonstrated throughout the match in challenging climatic conditions.
"First half there wasn't much in it, it was a flat game," Gray said. "Our shape was good and we restricted them to very little. Over the course of the two legs, I don't think anyone could say we don't deserve to go through. The players have earned the right to have another go at the play-offs."
The Hibernian head coach emphasized the depth of his squad following a busy schedule across domestic and European competitions.
"You see the strength of the squad with the players coming off the bench," Gray added. "We've had a brilliant start to the season. The important thing now is to recover the players, cool them down, and they can be proud of what they've achieved."
Gray made four adjustments to the starting lineup that recorded a Scottish Premiership win over Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday. Owen Elding, Nathan Lowe, Felix Passlack and Callum Wright came into the starting side, replacing Ante Suto, Thibault Klidje, Josh Campbell and Kanayo Megwa.
First half opportunities in Skopje
Shkendija created the opening chance of the match when Almir Kryeziu sent a low effort wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Hibernian threatened for the first time in the 18th minute. Felix Passlack delivered a corner that was flicked on by Jason Kerr, but Callum Wright, who scored the decisive goal against Rangers at Ibrox, was unable to connect at the back post.
Clear goalscoring opportunities remained limited for both teams prior to the interval. Hibernian attackers Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe both saw shots blocked by Shkendija defenders inside the penalty box.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Kryeziu cut inside from the left flank before sending a 25-yard shot over the crossbar as a quiet opening 45 minutes ended without goals.
Second half chances and closing pressure
Shkendija began the second period with increased urgency. Fabrice Tamba shot wide from distance before setting up teammate Fahd Ndzengue, who struck an angled shot into the side netting.
Hibernian created a significant opportunity to take the lead in the 54th minute. Owen Elding lifted a dinked pass over the Shkendija defensive line to send Nathan Lowe clear on goal, but the striker fired his effort straight at goalkeeper Ferat Ramani.
Ramani was called into action again shortly after, diving at the feet of Elding as the forward attempted to meet a low cross delivered from the left by Adam Mayor. The Shkendija goalkeeper then recovered to push away a subsequent shot from Elding from the edge of the area.
Shkendija pushed forward in the closing stages of the match to salvage the tie. However, Hibernian maintained their defensive structure to neutralize the threat and secure progression.
Background and play-off round outlook
Hibernian, founded in 1875 and based in Leith, Edinburgh, compete in the Scottish Premiership and play their home matches at Easter Road. Their opponents Shkendija, based in Tetovo, qualified for the knockout phase play-off round of the Conference League in the previous season.
The victory advances Hibernian into the Conference League play-off round, where they will face Belgian Pro League club Gent over two legs for a place in the group stage of the tournament.
