Gzira obtained a historic qualification yesterday in Croatia beating Hajduk Split 3-1 to qualify against all odds. After the unlucky 2-0 defeat at the Centenary Stadium seven days ago, few gave the Maroons any chances of qualifying to the next round.

To make matters worse for Gzira they suffered an early blow after only seven minutes when goalkeeper Justin Haber was beaten by a Bassel Jradi effort.

But Gzira did not throw in the towel as they scored three goals on the resumption to obtain a dramatic and incredible qualification. Twelve minutes into the second half Gzira drew level when new signing Jefferson De Assis headed home an Oyama cross.

Twelve minutes from time Gzira made a further step when striker Kone scored a spectacular goal with an overhead kick. Hajduk were now in apparent difficulty with Gzira but held on to their aggregate lead till deep in stoppage time.

When all appeared to be lost for Gzira, Ivory Coast striker Kone scored a gem of a goal in 96 minutes to send the Gzira contingent in raptures and the notorious Hajduk fans in disbelief.