Hosts HC Lugano defeated the Belfast Giants 2-0 in Friday's Continental Cup game in Switzerland.

Belfast put up a brave display but they were thwarted by home goalkeeper Ronnie Rueger on numerous occasions.

A mistake by Giants player Lee Sorochan on 29.27 enabled Mike Maneluk to put Lugano ahead.

We created some chances but just could not put the puck in the net Belfast coach Dave Whistle

Mark Astley added Lugano's second goal on 44.46 on the powerplay after Robby Sandrock had been sin-binned.

Earlier, Ryan Bach had made a series of great saves to keep the match scoreless in the opening period.

Bach was later named Giants man of the match.

The Giants had two players sin-binned in the opening 15 minutes but held out against the Lugano onslaught.

Kevin Riehl hit a great chance for the Giants over the goal in the 15th minute.

It was a difficult game, just as we expected Lugano coach Larry Huras

Netminder Bach then made another superb save to stop a shot which was so powerful that it knocked his helmet off.

Late in the second period, Rod Stevens just couldn't apply the final touch after great work by Riehl while seconds later Riehl shot inches wide.

The Giants pressed hard for an equaliser in the final period but Astley's second goal made the game safe for Lugano.

Belfast will take on another Swiss side HC Davos in Lugano on Saturday (1600 GMT).

Davos were defeated 2-1 by Russian champions Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in Friday's opening match in the group.