AFCON 2021: Our best was not enough to defeat Nigeria – Burhan Tia
Nigeria defeated the Falcons of Jediane to secure a spot in the round of 16. Tia in reaction to the lost, says, though they tried their best to prevent the loss, their best was not enough.
Sudan second round group phase game against Nigeria ended in a 1-3 victory for Nigeria. Sudan now have one point from two games. Consequently, the Falcons qualification to the next round now hangs in a balance.
The Sudanese coach, Burhan Tia, says they know what was at stake if the result does not go their way. They prepared and played to avoid that, but their best was simply not enough against one of the best teams in the tournament. He revealed that while speaking after the game at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
“We gave our best against one the best teams on the continent but obviously, it wasn’t enough to guarantee us a win,” the 56-year-old said during the post-match conference.
“They have a lot of quality players and it showed in their performance.
“They were too good for us. We take a lot of lessons from this defeat.”
Sudan lone goal against Nigeria came in the 70th minute through Walieldin Khedr’s penalty goal after Ola Aina foul in the 18-yard box.
Sudan still has one point following their draw against Guinea-Bissua, but -2 GD. That makes their qualification to the next round harder.
Their final round group phase fixture is against the Pharaohs of Egypt on January 19 whose qualification to the next round is also not certain following their 1-0 loss to the Super Eagles.
The former Al Ahli coach said they will do all it takes against the Carlos Queiroz’s men to qualify to the next round. However, he admitted it is going to be a difficult game.
Nigeria on the other hand, are through to the next round with one game in hand against the Djurtus who lost 1-0 to the Pharaohs. A victory for Nigeria in this game would see them crash out of the tournament.
