Malawi’s head coach, Tom Saintfeit has said the Super Eagles first half late strike altered his game plan and thus eventually handed all points to Nigeria in the 2014 World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Saintfeit stated that the Flames’ strategy was to absorb the pressure thrown at them by the Nigerians for the entire first half and then pounce when the Eagles might have become agitated to get goals in the second half.
“The goal before half-time was our death. To be honest with you, the moment we conceded the goal in the 45th minute with 30 seconds marked the end of us. If it was 0-0 in the first half, the Eagles will be a little bit more nervous in the second half and we would have had more opportunities. But the goal before half-time killed us completely.
“We played a very good first half according to plans. The Flames played a very co-ordinated game and organised defence. Nigeria had more possession but my goalkeeper was excellent. He didn’t allow any shot between the posts to go in the first 45 minutes. It was 30 seconds after the normal 45 minutes that we conceded a goal. It was a mistake from my left wing.
“The second half was very difficult for us to come back because we played against a very strong Super Eagles’ side who gained confidence after leading 1-0.”
Saintfiet also complained about the penalty with which Nigeria got the second goal:”You(Nigeria) got a penalty but I have to see the replay first. But I am 90 per cent sure that it is not a penalty. It was very soft and I think the player dived.’’
He, however, agreed with the centre referee over the dismissal of his player:”The red card on the other end. I would have given a red card also. I think it was a tackle where any referee gives a yellow card. I spoke with the player he said he touched the ball first. So, if that is correct, then it is not a yellow card. If I was a referee, I would have also given a red card.”
On his future with Malawi national team:”I played 1-1 against Zimbabwe but lost on penalties. I don’t consider that as a loss despite the fact we failed to qualify for the tournament(CHAN). I never was here to win many games. I was here to win one game-today’s(Saturday’s). It was the only goal. I don’t feel any pressure because we had an agreement till 11.59am Saturday and from Sunday, I have no agreement with the Malawian Federation and it was clear.
“I am a professional coach. I came here to win against the Super Eagles. We didn’t succeed but I am very proud of the team. The players did everything to ensure that we win but discussion about my future will be known in the near future”.