'Dignified' Rangers hero responds as national press and manager lament 'clean chance' miss
Yesterday at 07:30 AM
Rangers playmaker Nedim Bajrami played a crucial role in what the Albania star described as an 'historic' UEFA Nations League victory over Georgia.
But it could've been so much better for the 25-year-old who spurned a glorious opportunity to ease some nerves in the eventual 1-0 victory in Tbilisi.
Nedim Bajrami started the Albania clash in UEFA Nations League Group B League 1 as the Red and Blacks looked to bounce back from defeat to Czechia over the weekend.
Here's how the Albanian press, manager Sylvinho and Nedim Bajrami himself reacted to the performance and result.
Nedim Bajrami misses 'clean chance' for Albania
Rangers hero Nedim Bajrami is considered a key player for Albania and started off the left as the nation headed to Georgia.
And the creative playmaker would play a key role in the only goal of the game, 'starting' the move alongside Indrit Tuci which was eventually finished off by Kristjan Asllani.
But as reported by Java News, Bajrami missed a 'clean chance' to double the Albania lead and quell Georgia's resolve in a tight-match.
The Ibrox star wasn't the only one who missed a gilt-edged chance to double Albania's lead, with Taulant Seferi also fluffing his lines.
In the end, Georgia held on for victory, but the high-profile misses were the subject of a post-match inquest from Albanian manager Sylvinho.
"It is a strong and very well organized team," Sylvinho said, as quoted by CNA.
"We had another opportunity with Bajrami. Against the Czech Republic, we had a chance with Asan, but that’s how football is.
"When you have opportunities, it’s good to take advantage of opportunities."
Rangers star hails Albania 'fight' despite miss
Nedim Bajrami has also been speaking about the victory with Albania come the full time whistle.
The Rangers star might've spurned a glorious opportunity to make the score 2-0 but that did little to dampen the ex-Sassuolo midfielder's celebrations come full time.
Bajrami insists the most important thing was picking up the three points, with the Albanian team getting some revenge after Georgia won the reverse in Tirana.
“We have achieved a historic victory," said Bajrami, as quoted by dosja after what they described as 'another dignified appearance' for Albania.
“The most important thing is that we won, it doesn’t matter who scores the goal. When you play two games so quickly, the whole team has put up a great fight.
"We won a victory that will go down in history. These are the emotions when you win the match. As they celebrated in Tirana, we celebrated here."
The result leaves Albanian 2nd, behind Vaclav Cerny's Czech Republic, in a tight League 2 Group 1 table which includes Georgia (3rd) and Ukraine (4th).
