Disappointed Zambia coach praises players

ZAMBIA’S WEDSON Nyirenda is disappointed by the 1-2 loss to Nigeria on Sunday in a Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in Ndola but happy that his side showed strong character in the second half of the game.

Addressing a post-match conference, Nyirenda said, to have lost his first match in charge in front of the country’s President is  disappointing enough.

‘There was a lot of Zambia’s solidarity behind this match with the President in attendance but we gave the match away in the first half. We were too focussed on winning the match than countering the Eagles, we committed blunders in dangerous positions. There were just two Nigerian players as opposed to our four defenders for the first goal, you can’t do that in such a game and escape unhurt.”

Nyirenda, who got the Chipolopolo job last month, said he was happy his substitutes changed the game in Zambia’s favour.

“We closed down the Nigerian threats very well and they were made to chase shadows. We should at least have earned a draw. When your substitutes made a difference, they are making a claim that your team can get better.’’

Sporting Tribune

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