Malawi manager commends Eagles

The Technical Adviser of the Flames of
Malawi, Tom Scientfiet, on Saturday
commended Nigeria’s Super Eagles for
qualifying for the play-off series of the
2014 World Cup.
Scientfiet told newsmen in Calabar,
shortly after his side lost 0-2 to Nigeria in
the World Cup match, that the Eagles
played well and deserved to win.
“We came with a game plan to make the
first half goalless. But when Nigeria
scored in the 45th minute, we knew it was
over.
“Our plan was to come out and attack the
Eagles in the second half but Nigeria took
the game to us in the second half,” he
said.
Scientfiet said that in spite of the loss, his
players did well and deserved to be
praised.
“Actually as a coach, I came here to win
the match but Nigeria carried the day
afterwards. I wish Nigeria well in the final
qualifying matches and pray that they
qualify for the World Cup,’’ he said.
The Flames Captain, Banda Davie, said
they were disappointed at their loss to the
Eagles.
“We actually prepared very well for this
match. Nigeria came out strongly to carry
the day,’’ he said.
Eagles returnee striker, Emmanuel
Emenike, scored Nigeria’s first goal in the
45th minute while Victor Moses scored the
second through a penalty in the 51st
minute.
The Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi,
said that although his players did not play
well in the first half, they picked up in the
second half and won the game.
“It was a good game, mostly in the
second half. In first half, my team had no
mobility but in the second, we played high
speed game and won the match.
“Malawi is a good team but we did not
allow them to play. My players’ ability to
recover loose balls quickly was good.
“I have no preference to play any country
in the final round of the qualifier,
wherever we find ourselves, we will play
our game,’’ Keshi said.
The 20th FIFA World Cup will be hosted
by Brazil from June 12 to July 13, 2014