Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach, has revealed why South Africa defeated Nigeria 2-0 in their 2019 African Cup of Nation, AFCON, qualifying first leg encounter in Uyo last year.
Rohr’s men will be aiming to avenge their home defeat when they take on the Bafana Bafana in front of their home fans on Saturday, November 17 at the FNB Stadium. Kick-off is 3pm.
Rohr reckons that the three-time African champions lost to South Africa in their first match because the opponents were deadly from counter-attacks and also his squad were without some of the key players. The likes of Captain Obi Mikel, Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo and ex-Eagles star, Victor Moses missed the first leg clash.
The German tactician, however, said the defeat still hurts, adding that his side want to revenge.
Speaking ahead of his Nigeria clash against South Africa next month, Rohr told Kickoff Magazine: ”The defeat still hurts and we want to take revenge for it. They beat us with strong counter attacks in Uyo.
”We dominated the game and actually played quite well in first half, but didn’t score.
”And then they attacked us on the counter, one towards the end when we pressed for the equaliser.”
Rohr added: ”It was in June 2017, which is now quite a long time ago.
”I remember we had many players absent at the time, with that match taking place in the break between the seasons.
”I’m happy that everyone will be available this time around and that our team can get revenge for that defeat.”
Nigeria are on top of the group with nine points from four fixtures, while South Africa are in second place with eight points from the same number of games.
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