2019 U23 AFCON : Four Takeaways From Nigeria U23s Disappointing Draw Vs South Africa

Izuchukwu Okosi presents four things noted in the disappointing match.

1. The Eagles Started Well With High Pressing

The Nigerian side started the match the better team and seemed to be the likelier team to score but their performance level dropped when mental alertness was required. The initial high press deployed gave way to a poor finish.

2. The South Africans Wasted Time

The South Africans went down at the slightest contact with a Nigerian player most times to waste a few seconds.

That tactic worked a trick for them and it took the steam off the Eagles.

3. The Second African Side Parked The Bus

Knowing that a draw was enough for them to qualify for the semifinals, the South Africans were comfortable sitting back and hoping to catch the Nigerians on the counter.

They were ultra defensive and only poured forward when the plan was to take the Nigerians by surprise. The South Africans have players with pace and that was yo their advantage.

4. The Eagles Discipline Was A Factor

The Nigerian  players' frustration grew as the South African side played so deep and resorted to falling on the deck with the slightest of touches.

That earned Valentine Ozornwafor a yellow card for dissent and Kelechi Nwakali another yellow card in the second half.

Izuchukwu Okosi