Jawo says Fernandez duel was even in 1-0 Conference League loss

Lamin Jawo has described his physical battle with Emmanuel Fernandez as an even contest after Jablonec suffered a 1-0 defeat to Rangers in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff. The match was played on Thursday, leaving Jablonec needing to overturn the narrow deficit in the return fixture.

Jawo, a striker for the Czech club, acknowledged Fernandez’s strength and ability but said the Rangers defender did not present a greater challenge than the top centre-backs he regularly faces in the Czech First League. He felt the pair were closely matched in their duels and believed he had the better of the aerial contests.

The Gambian forward said Jablonec had expected to take at least a draw from the opening leg. Despite the defeat, he considered the team’s performance positive, particularly its organisation against a Rangers side he recognised as a strong opponent.

Jablonec now turn their attention to the second leg at home, where Jawo believes the team can play with more attacking intent. He said his own role would be to perform well, retain possession and contribute to the collective effort rather than focus on an individual contest with Fernandez.

The result keeps the tie open, with Rangers holding only a one-goal advantage. Jawo remains confident in Jablonec’s prospects on home ground and said the team still has everything to play for.

He urged his teammates to respond positively, correct the shortcomings from the first meeting and maintain their focus before the decisive return match. For Jablonec, the task is clear: win at home to progress from the playoff tie.