“This defeat breaks my heart” – coach of Nigerian champions rues loss to South Africans

The former national female team handler could not hide his disappointment after leading the 2021 NWPL winners to a second defeat in a row

Head coach of the Rivers Angels Edwin Okon has blamed wasteful finishing for his team’s 1-0 defeat to South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns inside the El Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on matchday two of the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Captain Zanele Portia Nhlapho scrambled home the game’s controversial decider in the 16th minute after a corner kick situation to condemn the Angels to their second loss of the tournament on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old defender saw her effort hit the right post and bounce into the hands of Rivers Angel’s goalkeeper Charlotte Adjei. However, the referee awarded the goal without consulting VAR or using goal-line technology.

The reigning Nigerian Women Premier League champions had earlier stumbled to a 3-0 defeat to Morocco’s FAR Rabat on matchday one.

And the loss to the South Africans leaves them bottom of Group B with zero point, with qualification to the semifinals now an unlikely possibility.

After the encounter, coach Okon lamented the painful defeat while voicing his displeasure at Sundown’s winning goal.

“It was a good game, but not from our side,” the former Super Falcons handler told CAFonline.

“We created many chances but did not score. But the goal we conceded is what makes me unhappy.

“This defeat breaks my heart as a coach.”

Rivers Angels retain a slim hope of progressing to the semifinals of the competition.

The seven-time Nigerian champions will need to beat Kenya’s Vihiga Queens by a considerable scoreline in their last group match on Friday and hope Sundowns defeat FAR Rabat.