'That was the difference' - Zimbabwe coach admits Super Eagles were more clinical in front of goal

Zimbabwe coach Kaitano Tembo has rejected suggestions that the Warriors showed too much respect to Nigeria during their Unity Cup semifinal clash at the Valley on Tuesday evening, stressing instead that his side failed to capitalise on key moments during the game.

On his international debut, Millwall winger Femi Azeez inspired the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory by scoring a goal in each half as the defending champions progressed to the final of the Unity Cup, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between Jamaica and India.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tembo believes the Warriors' defending could have been better in the moments leading to both goals.

When questioned about Zimbabwe’s approach against the Super Eagles, and whether they had shown them too much respect, he said:: "Not necessarily. I don't think we gave too much respect to the Nigerian side. Like I mentioned earlier, we had our moments and they had their moments. They also took advantage of their moments, and we didn't do that.

"I thought they kept the ball a little bit better and longer than us. We could have done better in those moments, especially in transition, where we could have made better decisions and taken care of the ball."

The Zimbabwe coach concluded that Nigeria's clinical finishing was the major difference between both teams.

"That was the difference. The opponents took advantage of the chances they created, and they managed to score. We also had better opportunities that we could have taken advantage of, but we didn't. So we need to try and make sure that we are more lethal in the final third and work a bit more on that.”

Zimbabwe entered yesterday's clash in London unbeaten in their previous three meetings with the Super Eagles, all of which ended in draws.