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Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma could feature tonight when Lech Poznan take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie.

Lech Poznan head into the clash looking to continue their European journey after progressing through the playoff round. The Polish side defeated Kuopion Palloseura 3-0 on aggregate to book their place in the last 16.

Their path to the Conference League has been lengthy. After winning the Polish Ekstraklasa title last season, Lech initially competed in the Champions League qualifiers. They eliminated Breidablik Kopavogur before falling to Red Star Belgrade in the third qualifying round.

The defeat dropped them into the Europa League playoffs, where they were eliminated by KRC Genk, eventually sending them to the Conference League.

ALSO READ: Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma features in big UEFA Conference League win

In the league phase of the competition, Lech Poznan produced a solid campaign with three wins, one draw and two defeats, finishing 11th to secure a place in the knockout playoffs.

However, the Polish side head into Thursday’s encounter on the back of two consecutive defeats in domestic competition, something head coach Niels Frederiksen will be hoping to correct.

Shakhtar Donetsk, on the other hand, come into the tie in excellent form. The Ukrainian giants finished sixth in the Conference League league phase after winning four, drawing one and losing just once in six matches.

Under the guidance of Arda Turan, Shakhtar have also been dominant domestically and currently sit at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League standings.

The visitors have won all three matches since returning from the winter break and have suffered only one competitive defeat away from home this season, highlighting the challenge awaiting Lech Poznan.

Timothy Ouma

Recent form

Lech Poznan – Conference League form:L W D W W W

Lech Poznan – form in all competitions:W W W W L L

Shakhtar Donetsk – Conference League form:W L W W W D

Shakhtar Donetsk – form in all competitions:L W W W W W

What time does Lech Poznan vs  Shakhtar Donetsk kick off?

The match will be played at the Enea Stadion in Poland and is scheduled to kick off at 11:00 PM (EAT) on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Team news

Lech Poznan are expected to be without several players due to injury, including Filip Jagiełło, Kornel Lisman and Radoslaw Murawski.

Forward Mikael Ishak has been Lech Poznan’s standout performer in the competition with five goals in eight appearances and is expected to lead the attack alongside Luis Palma.

Shakhtar Donetsk will travel with a fully fit squad. Striker Lassina Traore has returned from injury in strong form, scoring four goals in three matches since the winter break, and is expected to spearhead the attack.

Possible starting lineups

Lech Poznan:

Mrozek; Pereira, Monka, Milic, Gurgul; Gholizadeh, Kozubal, Ouma, Bengtsson; Ishak, Palma.

Shakhtar Donetsk:

Riznyk; Konoplia, Bondar, Matviyenko, Henrique; Alisson, Pedrinho, Nazaryna, Gomes, Palmares; Traore.

Prediction

Lech Poznan will hope home advantage works in their favour, but their recent domestic setbacks could prove costly against a Shakhtar Donetsk side that has been in impressive form.

With the Ukrainian side carrying strong momentum, they could edge the contest and take a narrow advantage into the second leg.

Prediction: Lech Poznan 1-2 Shakhtar Donetsk.

Related

• SportPesa League sides Ulinzi Stars, Shabana FC, KCB, Kenya Police FC, and Bandari all secured their tickets to the Round of 16 after dominating their respective FKF Cup Round of 32 fixtures.
• The matches were played on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at various venues across the country.
• 3K FC and Mfalme FC also secured their spots in the Round of 16, where they joined Tusker FC, who advanced on Friday.

SportPesa League sides Ulinzi Stars, Shabana FC, KCB, Kenya Police FC, and Bandari all punched their tickets to the 25/26 FKF Cup Round of 16 after dominating their respective last 32 fixtures on Saturday, March 7, at various venues.

A total of seven matches went down during the day, with two other teams joining the five; National Super League side 3K FC and Mfalme, securing their spots in the Round of 16 where they linked up with Tusker, who advanced on Friday.

Shabana were absolutely buzzing to make a statement with their cup ambitions and they went on to trash Muhoroni Youth 5-2 at the Gusii Stadium.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia brace for 2026 FKF Cup clash against giant killers BB Bread

FKF Cup Round of 32 Saturday recap

The Glamour Boys desperately needed to bounce back after their previous heavy 5-1 loss to AFC Leopards in the league.

Their new signing Assis Mambolete bagged a brace in the victory while getting support from Keith Imbali, Kevin Omundi, and Wycliffe Omondi, who each netted solo goals, to ensure they make a massive statement heading into the last 16.

In another clash, KCB FC cruised past Zetech University 4-0 at the Moi Stadium in Embu.

It was a memorable outing as their Djiboutian striker Samuel Feargod, who has been the talk of the town lately finally found the back of the net with his maiden goal.

Boniface Omondi grabbed a brace while Richard Omondi also got on the scoresheet as Robert Matano’s side, considered one of the favorites to lift the SportPesa League this season, now shift their focus to the Cup title.

Meanwhile, it was a goal fest for Ulinzi Stars as they ran riot with a 7-0 demolition of Zoo FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

This was exactly what the Soldiers needed after enduring a poor run in the top flight, currently stuck in an eight-match winless streak with five losses and three draws.

Paul Okoth, who has struggled to find the net recently, bagged a brace alongside another double from Edward Odhiambo.

Bill Okite, who scored an own goal last weekend in their 1-0 loss to Bidco United also found the target, with Boniface Muchori and Stephen Nyongesa joining the party for Stephen Ocholla’s men.

The 2024 FKF Cup champions Kenya Police punched their ticket with a commanding 4-1 win over TBM Health at the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.

ALSO READ: Regional minnows BB Bread knock AFC Leopards out of 2026 FKF Cup

Goals from Yves Kuotima, Marvin Nabwire, and a brace from Edward Ondimo ensured the Law Enforcers cruised comfortably into the Round of 16 while keeping their hopes alive of lifting the domestic cup for the second time.

Bandari FC, on the other hand, had to grind out a 2-1 victory over their coastal brethren Bumbani Stars at the Kwale Stadium.

Amza Moubarack drew first blood for them while Erisat Orute doubled the advantage to seal progression into the next round as they look to reclaim the title they last won back in 2019.

FKF Cup Round of 32 Results for Saturday, March 7

• Zetech University 0-4 KCB
• Mfalme 1-0 Wisdom Soccer
• Shabana 5-2 Muhoroni Youth
• TBM Health 1-4 Kenya Police
• Ulinzi Stars 7-0 Zoo
• Bandari 2-1 Bumbani Stars
• 3K FC 4-0 Denmark

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