Ghanaian winger Bernard Tekpetey says his Bulgarian side Ludogorets will secure qualification to the group stages of the Uefa Champions League despite suffering a 2-1 loss against Shamrock Rovers.

The Bulgarians lost 2-1 to the Irish side in Dublin in the second leg of UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round 2nd Leg match but progressed overall in the tie.

The Hoops took an early lead before adding a second late in the game, setting up the possibility of a barnstorming finish, but it never materialised as Ludogorets grabbed one on the counterattack at the start of injury to break the Hoops' hearts.

Ludogorets progresses 4-2 on aggregate and will next play in the third round against Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb in a two-legged tie.

The 24-year-old Ghanaian forward who has been in great form for his side was hooked off at halftime at the Tallaght Stadium but is confident his side will play in the Champions League group stage.

"It was a difficult game for us, the atmosphere was tough. I'm thankful we're moving forward. Now we have to work on the mistakes. The most important thing is that we passed the test and are in the next round," he said

"We knew they were going to attack us, and we only tried to defend ourselves. If we played our normal game, it wouldn't be like that. We have to analyze the match. When I left the field I told the boys we were going to get out. Even after the second goal I knew we were going to do it. Some teammates, perhaps, were nervous.

"No one can say what will happen to Dynamo. We always have to play well. We will have tough games but we have given our lives to this game and we will give it our all. I am convinced that we will play in the Champions League groups.