Orient 1919 were knocked out of the Cup in the Round of 32, losing to Mladost Ždralovi on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The match ended in deep stoppage time before going to the spot-kick stage. The hosts had led until the final minutes of regulation.
L. Fernandes gave Orient 1919 the lead early on at the 3-minute mark. Mladost responded quickly, with N. A. Stasic equalising in the 14th minute. The balance shifted back to the hosts when C. Agada scored in the 34th minute, putting them two goals ahead. To be fair, the visitors looked comfortable for a spell after that.
The hosts thought they had secured their place in the next round. Mladost struck back in the 90+6th minute through M. Nikolic, forcing extra time. By then, the momentum had completely swung. The game opened up as the clock ticked over.
The shootout was a brutal affair. Mladost took control early, while Orient 1919 struggled to find their rhythm. N. Mandic and R. Valincic missed their chances for the home side, and L. Matic failed to convert later. The visitors scored consistently throughout the ordeal.
The statistics reflected a tight contest. Possession was split almost evenly, with Orient 1919 holding 48% and Mladost 52%. Shots on target were similar, four for the hosts and five for the visitors. The hosts registered more shots off target, suggesting they tried to force play.
Mladost Ždralovi advance to the next stage. The hosts leave empty-handed after a game that could have gone either way. The difference came in the final moments of the penalty shootout.
