Jordan Obita believes Hibernian can turn 0-2 over Malisheva
According to Sports.
Why this matters
Hibernian's turnaround in the Europa Conference League is crucial for the continuation of their European campaign. Fan support at Easter Road could be a deciding factor, especially after the opening 0-2 defeat in Pristina. Jordan Obita's confidence and the memory of past victories in similar situations raise expectations for the next game.
Main conclusions
- Jordan Obita believes Hibernian can turn 0-2 over Malisheva.
- Jordan Obita is confident Hibernian can overturn a two-goal deficit against Malisheva as fans push at Easter Road, evoking Hibs' recent European comeback.
- Fans can help Hibs turn Malisheva tie around - Obita - Yahoo Sports.
Jordan Obita believes that Hibernian has all the conditions to turn around the Europa Conference League 2nd qualifying round tie against Malisheva, despite the 0-2 score they suffered in the first game, in Pristina. The left-back highlights that the home factor and the support of the fans at Easter Road could be decisive in getting Hibs back on the qualifying route.
“We need the fans as they are at home — very much behind us,” said the defender, convinced that the atmosphere in Edinburgh can push the team towards a big European night. "As long as we are playing and doing our part, they will do theirs too. We know our away and home games are completely different. So next week we have to go full steam ahead from the start."
The Scottish team was surprised in Kosovo, where Malisheva won 2-0 in the first leg of this second qualifying round of the UEFA competition. Now, the mission is to recover from the disadvantage in the reunion at Easter Road. With the away goals rule now abolished in European competitions, a two-goal win (e.g. 2-0) pushes the decision into extra-time, while a three-goal win or more guarantees direct progress at the end of the 90 minutes.
Obita remembers that Hibernian has already turned things around in adverse contexts in Europe. Three years ago, Hibs unexpectedly lost 2-1 in Andorra to Inter Club d’Escaldes, but responded with a 6-1 thrashing at home to secure qualification with authority. It is this spirit of reaction that the English want to see replicated. “If we score early, anything can happen”, he reinforced, also highlighting the importance of a strong start, similar to what the team did recently — “especially last week, against Brondby”, he said, confident that an intense start could surprise the opponent again.
In addition to the emotional boost and support in the stands, Hibernian will need to be effective in the final third and solid defensively to not allow Malisheva to score a goal that complicates matters even further. Playing at home, in front of fans accustomed to vibrant European nights at Easter Road, is an asset that Obita wants to capitalize on, turning the two-goal deficit into an opportunity to demonstrate character and quality.
The return match, in Edinburgh, is a test of Hibs' resilience, as they seek to extend their European campaign and keep their goal of reaching the next stage of the Europa Conference League alive. With the tie open and the stadium ready to push, Obita and company believe that a turnaround is possible.
What happens next
Hibernian will have to enter the field with an aggressive mentality to overturn the disadvantage. A victory by two goals would take the match to extra time, while a victory by three or more will guarantee direct passage. The atmosphere at home will be essential to motivate the team to achieve a positive result and advance in the Europa Conference League.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the first match between Hibernian and Malisheva?
Hibernian lost 0-2 to Malisheva in the first game.
How does the result of the first game impact the tie?
Hibernian need to win by two goals to take the match to extra time, or by three or more goals to go straight through.
When will the next match between Hibernian and Malisheva be?
The next game will be at Easter Road, but the exact date was not mentioned in the article.
How important is fan support for Hibernian?
Jordan Obita believes that the support of the fans at home can be decisive in recovering from the disadvantage.
What happened in Hibernian's recent history in European competitions?
Three years ago, Hibernian managed to overturn a 2-1 defeat in Andorra with a 6-1 victory at home.