Ghanaian international Bernard Tekpetey produced a brilliant cameo to inspire Ludogorets Razgrad to a resounding 4-1 victory over KF Shkendija in the UEFA Europa League play-off at the Huvepharma Arena on Thursday.

The former Schalke 04 forward, who only recently returned from a long injury lay-off, came off the bench in the 83rd minute to replace Caio. Despite his short time on the pitch, Tekpetey made a massive impact — scoring once and providing an assist as Ludogorets sealed qualification to the group stage.

Ludogorets, trailing 2-1 from the first leg in North Macedonia, started strongly with goals from Edvin Kurtulus and Ivaylo Chochev, taking a 2-0 lead into the break. Shkendija, however, pulled one back through Fabrice Tamba in the second half, forcing extra time as the tie stood 3-3 on aggregate.

In the additional period, Tekpetey rose to the occasion. He restored Ludogorets’ advantage in the 98th minute before setting up Eric Bille in stoppage time of extra time to complete a dominant turnaround for the Bulgarian champions.

The emphatic result ensured Ludogorets advanced 5-3 on aggregate to the Europa League group stage.

Now fully fit, Tekpetey will be eager to play a key role in Ludogorets’ domestic and European campaign in the 2025/26 season.