DUBLIN (Interstat) — Franko Kovačević came off the bench to score two first-half goals, leading Celje to a 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers in a UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match Thursday at Tallaght Stadium. Kovačević found the net in the 33rd and 40th minutes, with both assists provided by defenders. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat that favored Celje but forecast a 1-1 draw. The match was the opening group stage fixture for both clubs in the European competition.