After losing their first 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has offered an explanation as to why they lost to the South Africans.
Goals by Tokelo Rantie and Percy Tau meant the Super Eagles began the series on a sour note and speaking after the match, Rohr explained why his team was not able to get a result from the match.
“My young team made a very good first half, they played very well but they didn’t score and the second half we knew the experienced team of South Africa could be dangerous on the counter and that was what happened,” he explained.
“We had difficulties to finish the match physically because they made so many efforts the first time and some of the players were tired.
“We tried to put in three offensive players to bring some power to the attack but it was not enough. We knew that South Africa were unebeaten in 17 and now 18 games but I believe with this kind of games we make progress.”
