Pundits caution Saintfiet

Some football commentators have cautioned Flames coach Tom Saintfiet not to be complacent about Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, saying Nigeria is a much stronger side.

Renowned soccer commentator Charles Nyirenda, former Flames coach Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman and ex-national soccer team captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda were reacting to Saintfiet’s post-match comment that he was happy with the performance of his charges as well as the result.

Nyirenda said the Super Eagles cannot be compared to Rwanda because there is a huge gulf in class, strength and style of play.

“We beat Rwanda away, which was good and a relief after a string of losses, but that is not a yardstick that we’ll beat Nigeria.

“After watching the South Africa/Nigeria game, one can conclude that Nigeria are superior, but while they are strong at the back, they are vulnerable in midfield and it could help us to capitalise on that by trying to shoot from far,” said Nyirenda.

Osman also said while the win over Rwanda is a psychological boost, the Nigeria showdown will be a different ball game.

“It was comforting that we got a result in Rwanda, but tactically, it doesn’t mean much because Nigeria are a very strong side compared to our team and Rwanda and the fact that they [Nigeria] too beat South Africa, who are considered a better side than we are, should make us be on the lookout.

“Personally, I think Nigeria’s tactic will be to get a draw. They are likely to sit back and so we should work on countering that. We should defend heavily and look for a breakaway goal. It will be a mistake on our part to take them head on because they are a very strong side,” said Osman.

On his part, Mponda said: “As I said, the win itself was a timely morale boost, but we shouldn’t think just because we have beaten Rwanda then the sailing will be smooth in Nigeria.

“This is now the time for the coaching panel to analyse Nigeria’s strengths and weaknesses and try to play our strengths against their weaknesses. There were some key players that didn’t play against Rwanda and obviously the coach’s challenge will be how he will handle such a tricky situation.”

Saintfiet and team leader Pikawo Ngalamira said they were happy with the overall performance of the team in Kigali.

Said Saintfiet: “We had much more chances in the first half and we should have scored two if not three goals. Rwanda enjoyed possession in some cases, but overall, we were in control.”

Asked how the team fared without some key players, Saintfiet chuckled and then said: “We didn’t play without some key players. We featured players that were selected.

“I was very happy with their work rate and commitment. We had players who want to fight for their country.”

He was also noncommittal on whether the key members who missed the Rwanda game will feature against the Super Eagles.

“Let’s not comment on that now. We know that Nigeria is a very strong side, but we have a good chance and we have to believe that it is possible,” he said.

Ngalamira said: “The boys played a very disciplined and tactical game and if Robin Ngalande had scored some two sitters, the margin should have been bigger. The work rate and the zeal to fight for each other was impressive.”

The first group of the Flames arrived yesterday afternoon through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre while the rest are expected to jet in today after spending a night in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

The coach made four changes to the starting line-up with injured Harry Nyirenda paving the way for George Nyirenda. Micium Mhone was also thrown into service to replace John ‘CJ’ Banda, Gabadinho Mhango replaced scorer of the lone goal Atusaye Nyondo while Lucky Malata was thrown in for Phillip Masiye.

Those that played a full game were Charles Swini, James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava, Moses Chavula, Chimango Kayira, Peter Wadabwa and Robin Ngalande.