The Technical Adviser of the Flames of Malawi, Tom Saintfiet, on Saturday commended Nigeria’s Super Eagles for qualifying for the play-off series of the 2014 World Cup.
Saintfiet told newsmen in Calabar, Cross River State shortly after his side lost 0-2 to Nigeria in the World Cup match, that the Eagles played well and deserved to win.
He said: “We came with a game plan to make the first half goalless.
“But when Nigeria scored in the 45th minute, we knew it was over.
“Our plan was to come out and attack the Eagles in the second half but Nigeria took the game to us in the second half.”
Saintfiet said that in spite of the loss, his players did well and deserved to be praised.
He added: “Actually, as a coach, I came here to win the match but Nigeria carried the day afterwards.
“I wish Nigeria well in the final qualifying matches and pray that they qualify for the World Cup.”
The Flames Captain, Banda Davie, said they were disappointed at their loss to the Eagles.
Davie said: “We actually prepared very well for this match.
“Nigeria came out strongly to carry the day.”
Super Eagles returnee striker, Emmanuel Emenike, scored Nigeria’s first goal in the 45th minute while Victor Moses scored the second through a penalty in the 51st minute.
The Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, said that although his players did not play well in the first half, they picked up in the second half and won the game.
Keshi said: “It was a good game, mostly in the second half.
“In the first half, my team had no mobility but in the second, we played high speed game and won the match.
“Malawi is a good team but we did not allow them to play.
“My players’ ability to recover loose balls quickly was good.
“I have no preference to play any country in the final round of the qualifier.
“Wherever we find ourselves, we will play our game.”
The 20th FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014.
Malawi manager commends Eagles
