Europa League: Djiku happy to score from injury but gutted Fenerbahce lost

Photo Credit – Fenerbahçe Media.

Ghana international Alexander Djiku admits he was happy to score on his return from injury but was left disappointed that Fenerbahce were beaten 3-1 by Rangers in the first leg of the Europa League fixture at Sukru Saracoglu in Istanbul, Turkey on Thursday.

After Nigeria forward Cyriel Dessers opened the scores for the visiting side with only six minutes played, Djiku was introduced in 16th minute for the injured Caglar Soyuncu. The Black Star needed 14 minutes for his presence to be felt as levelled matters for Fenerbahce in the 30th minute.

However, Dessers set up Vaclav Cerny to put Rangers 2-1 up in the 42nd minute and that is how the game headed into the half-time break. In the 53rd minute, Dessers had a goal disallowed and seven minutes later, the Super Eagle once again found the back of the net but the goal was cancelled.

Cerny ensured Rangers took a huge advantage ahead of the return leg after he scored the third, his second of the night in the 81st minute. Speaking after the game, Djiku admitted to being disappointed following the outcome.

“I’m happy to have scored tonight. After recovering from injury, I tried to do my best, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the win tonight, so I’m very disappointed,” Djiku told UEFA.com.

“The first leg hasn’t finished well for us, but nothing is decided. We are a good team. In the second leg, we cannot make any mistakes if we want to qualify.”

In the Europa League this season, the 30-year-old Djiku has managed seven appearances, scored one goal and is yet to provide an assist.