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.
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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.