Hibs to meet S. Belupo in first round

Hibernians must contend with the challenge of Croatian team Slaven Belupo to book a place in the second round of the Intertoto Cup.

Slaven Belupo have taken Croatia's second slot in the summer competition despite finishing third in the six-team Relegation Play-Offs in their domestic league.

NK Osijek were the first Croatian team to gain a berth in the Intertoto Cup after finishing fourth in the championship but as Varteks and Zadarkomerc, fifth and sixth respectively, had not declared their intention to take part in this competition, the second qualification berth remained undecided.

Kamen Ingrad were initially touted as favourites to gain access to the Intertoto Cup after topping the six-team bottom pool with 46 points but Hibernians were yesterday informed that Slaven Belupo will be their opponents.

Slaven Belupo are no newcomers to the Intertoto Cup. Two years ago, they made it to the semi-finals of the competition before being edged out by German Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on aggregate.

Hibernians are Malta's sole representatives in the Intertoto Cup. The Paolites had high hopes of claiming one of the two UEFA Cup spots after finishing third in the Premier League but were denied by Marsaxlokk who ensured their passage to the UEFA Cup after contesting the final of the FA Trophy against champions Sliema Wanderers.

Sliema won the match 2-0 to complete a league and cup double but their qualification for the Champions League left the way clear for Marsaxlokk to join Birkirkara in the UEFA Cup draw.

Hibernians also participated in the Intertoto Cup last year, bowing out to Finnish side Allianssi in the first round 2-1 on aggregate.

Hibs host Slaven in the first leg on June 19 or 20. According to club president Tony Bezzina, the exact date of the first leg tie at the Hibs Ground will be determined over the next two days.

The second leg takes place in Croatia the following week.