2018 Women’s AFCON: Dennerby Blames Poor Finishing For Nigeria Defeat To South Africa

Super Falcons head coach Thomas Dennerby has rued his side’s missed chances in Sunday’s 2018 Africa Women’s Cup Of Nations opener against South Africa in Cape Coast, Ghana.

A stunning strike from substitute Chrestina Thembi Kgatlana five minutes from time handed South Africa a 1-0 win over defending champions, Nigeria in their Group B opener on Sunday.

Asisat Oshoala, Franscia Ordega, and Rasheedat Ajibade all missed chances in the Nigerian ladies’ quest to break the deadlock in the encounter.

The biggest culprit in the encounter was Desire Oparanoize who missed a sitter in the 32nd minute following a brilliant cutback pass from Oshoala.

Dennerby admitted in his post-match interview that despite their profligacy in front of goal, a draw would have been a fair result for his side.

“I am very disappointed that we lost the game, ” Dennerby said in his post-match interview after the game.

“It would have been fair if the game had ended in a draw. We had a bit more of the possession and South Africa are really good on counter attacks; we were aware and had analysed before the game so we knew what was coming. I think everybody will agree that we should have scored at least once in the first half and we missed that chance.”

Dennerby’s side are the most successful side in the history of the competition having won the competition eight times, will look to bounce back from the defeat in their next game when they face group leaders, Zambia on Wednesday.

Zambia pulled one of the biggest surprises in the history of the competition on Sunday defeating Equatorial Guinea by 5-0 in a Group B clash in Cape Coast to record their first ever win.

Zambia top Group B with three points after matchday-one. South Africa are in the second position also on three points but with weaker goal difference scored. Nigeria occupy the third spot with no point, better than fourth placed Equatorial Guinea with fewer goals conceded.