Premier League side Crystal Palace managed to pick up a point at home against their opponents from Finland in the UEFA Conference League on Friday as the Londoners managed a 2-2 draw against 10-man Kups.
Christantus Uche and Justing Devenny struck for Oliver Glasner’s men, while Kups got their goals through Piotr Parzyszek and Ibrahim Cisse.
As a result of their draw, Palace missed out on direct qualification for the last 16 in the last round of league-phase games. The third-tier European competition will now have a long break before returning for the knockout phase play-off first legs on February 19.
A fine individual goal by Uche, capped with a curling finish using the outside of his boot, gave a much-changed Palace the lead at Selhurst Park.
However, Parzyszek equalised shortly after half-time for KuPS, and Cisse flicked them in front when Palace failed to clear a corner.
KuPS defender Clinton Antwi was sent off, and Justin Devenny soon headed home to level for Oliver Glasner’s men with 14 minutes remaining. Despite their efforts, Palace could not find the winner that would have put them into the top eight.
AEK Athens dramatically secured a last-16 place with goals in the 98th and 105th minutes, resulting in a 3-2 win against Universitatea Craiova. The draw for the knock-out phase will be held in Switzerland on January 18.
