Ali after the championship match: "Extremely sick feeling"

After 26 goalless matches, Taha Ali stepped forward. He equalized to 1–1 and then played forward to Malmö FF's championship gold goal at home against IFK Göteborg. Extremely sick feeling, says the 26-year-old.

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Ali after the championship match: "Extremely sick feeling"
Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT

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The club had appealed to its supporters not to storm the pitch in the event of a championship win to save the lawn, but few paid attention to the request.

Thousands of MFF supporters left their seats to celebrate the championship win on the pitch with the players.

"Bloody scared"

It's the second time I've experienced it. It's just as fine every time. At first, you get bloody scared, but eventually, you realize it's your own supporters. They hug you and kiss you, says Taha Ali with a laugh.

Ali scored six goals and made seven assists during last year's championship season. This time, it wasn't until the championship match against "Blåvitt" that the 26-year-old broke his goal drought for the season.

Of course, I've been a bit frustrated that it didn't happen earlier, but I'm always a player with great faith in myself. It's about embracing your moments, and I think I did that today, says Ali.

When the second half began, Ali had been substituted in and immediately became an offensive threat. His goal in the 59th minute made it 1–1. In the 78th minute, he then played a pass to Hugo Bolin's decisive championship goal, making it 2–1 against "Blåvitt".

"Extremely grateful"

I've had an extremely long journey to get here, and every step has taught me big lessons. Not all players get to do this, says the MFF player.

Just a few years ago, he played division 2 football and worked as a security guard on commuter trains in Stockholm.

It's about enjoying and on a day like this when you get something like this, I'm just extremely grateful, says Taha Ali.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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