Ghanaian forward Bernard Tekpetey delivered a night to remember in Razgrad as Ludogorets overturned the odds to book their spot in the UEFA Europa League group stage with a thrilling 4-1 victory over KF Shkëndija on Thursday.

The 27-year-old, only just back from a lengthy injury layoff, came off the bench in the 83rd minute and instantly transformed the game. With the tie balanced on a knife’s edge, Tekpetey struck in the 98th minute of extra time to restore Ludogorets’ lead before unselfishly setting up Eric Bille in stoppage time, sealing the comeback in emphatic fashion.

The Bulgarian champions had entered the clash trailing 2-1 from the first leg in North Macedonia. Early goals from Edvin Kurtulus and Ivaylo Chochev seemed to put them in control, but Fabrice Tamba’s strike for Shkëndija dragged the playoff into extra time at 3-3 on aggregate.

Just when nerves began to creep in, Tekpetey’s brilliance proved decisive. His goal-and-assist cameo not only underlined his return to full fitness but also offered Ludogorets renewed attacking firepower ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

For Tekpetey, it was the perfect statement: a reminder of his quality, resilience, and ability to shine under pressure.