Won against Molde in the first Europa League playoff match
Updated 2024-08-23 08.56 | Published 2024-08-22 20.53
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Two years ago, Elfsborg had no chance against Molde in the European Championship.
Now the Borås team has a dream position to get to the Europa League.
– We are eleven soldiers out there, says Thursday’s winning shooter Ahmed Qasem.
Elfsborg has already secured a place in the Conference League, at least, and is now well on its way to playing in the Europa League.
Elfsborg won the first playoff match away to Molde with 1–0.
The goal came after a quarter when a fine attack ended with Michael Baidoo playing Ahmed Qasem through.
– I know where my teammates are. I see that Besfort (Zeneli) gets the ball and that Baidoo is behind me. So I skip it, get it back and score, says Qasem.
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full screen Photo: Marius Simensen / Bildbyrån
Had 2-0 goals in net
Elfsborg had opportunities to extend their lead in the second half.
– I think we have some counterattack opportunities that we should punish them on. But it is important that we create chances and we take that with us to the home game, says Qasem.
Ibrahim Buhari headed in a 2-0 goal for Elfsborg in the second half, but just before the ball went into the net, the referee called for a foul on goalkeeper Albert Posiadała.
– I haven’t looked at it afterwards, but I have to trust the judge. I guess he judged correctly, says Qasem.
Overall, the 21-year-old is satisfied with the match.
– It feels good! It was a skilled team we faced. I think we are stable and it was an important away win. Extremely difficult away game, but we are doing well.
Big loss last time
Elfsborg met Molde in the European qualifiers two years ago as well. Then the tension in the double meeting disappeared quickly, because Molde won 4–1 at home.
– We are coming with a different kind of pressure this year. We are stable and it feels like we are eleven soldiers out there, really fighting, and I think a lot of teams are starting to respect us. We have a different kind of intensity when we come here this year, says Qasem.
Is that the big difference?
– The intensity and that we are compact throughout the match. We don’t sell ourselves out, play tactically and stand up straight. Then we punish them, I think.
Now awaits a west coast derby against IFK Göteborg in the Allsvenskan before the return match against Molde next Thursday.
– These are two tough matches. I know what this means for the fans, so first we go out and focus on the game we have against Gothenburg. It is very important for the fans, us and the club, says Qasem.
check Sportbladet also broadcasts Elfsborg’s return match against Molde, at 19.00 on Thursday 29 August.
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full screen Photo: Marius Simensen / Bildbyrån
