Coach Gernot Rohr reckons that the Super Eagles lost to South Africa in their first match of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers because the opponents were deadly from counter-attacks and also rued the absence of some of the key players in his squad.
Captain Obi Mikel, Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo and Victor Moses were not involved at the Akwa Ibom Stadium last year and all the players are set to be invited for next month's reverse fixture, with the exception of the Chelsea winger who has called time on his international career.
Tokelo Rantie opened the scoring with a header in the 54th minute before a goal from Percy Tau sealed the win on 81 minutes in the first leg.
The scoreline would have been more flattering if not for the South Africans hitting the post in the 42nd and 70th minute and were unfortunate not to win a penalty after Keagan Dolly was clearly obstructed inside the box with 18 minutes left on the clock.
Speaking to Kick Off Magazine, Rohr said: ''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.''
''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.''
The German 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.''
''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.''
The Super Eagles will qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations if they win their fourth game on the spin against Bafana Bafana at the FNB Stadium on November 17, 2018.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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