Pakistan Captain Abdullah Iqbal Impresses Despite Mjällby's Narrow Champions League Defeat
Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal delivered a superb defensive performance on Tuesday night, but Mjällby AIF were edged 2-1 by Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
Iqbal was one of Mjällby's best players on the night, producing two outstanding goal-line clearances in the first half to deny Slovan an early lead. His calm defending and timely interventions kept the Swedish side in the game during a difficult opening spell.
Mjällby then took the lead through Elliot Stroud's penalty and looked well placed to take an advantage into the return leg. However, Slovan Bratislava responded with two goals to leave the Swedish side facing a one-goal deficit.
Despite the disappointing result, Iqbal believes the tie is far from over.
"We have to be positive, we are potentially not even halfway through the doubleheader. It could go to extra time in the next game and we have to do what we do, play football."
Because of this performance the popular swedish site FotbollSkanlen named Abdullah as the best player on the pitch
The Pakistan skipper admitted the defeat was frustrating, especially because he felt the goals were preventable.
It's a big disappointment. We conceded two goals that I think we could have easily avoided.
Reflecting on the match, Iqbal said Mjällby were confident after taking the lead.
"The feeling on the pitch was positive. We were in the lead and believed in it. We have a good result, 1-0 at home and then we concede a goal that we could have avoided."
Mjällby now return to Allsvenskan action before travelling to Slovakia for next week's decisive second leg. Although the fixture list has become more demanding, Iqbal is confident the squad has enough depth.
"We can rotate, we have quality players in every position. But right now the focus has to be on Allsvenskan because we are not where we want to be."
Between the away trip to Gibraltar and Tuesday's clash with Slovan Bratislava, Iqbal was able to spend a few days with his family in Denmark.
"I was back home in Copenhagen to see my family. It's always a good way for me to recharge, so it's nice."
For Pakistani football fans, the tie remains very much alive. Mjällby trail by just one goal heading into the return leg, and if Iqbal can produce another commanding display, the Swedish side will fancy their chances of completing the comeback.
The second leg will be played on Tuesday, 11 August, with kick-off at 11:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT).
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