Some soccer commentators have said Burkina Faso’s Stallions played too deep in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final game against Nigeria and never attacked with enthusiasm.
Burkina Faso, who were making their first appearance in the finals of the continental showpiece, lost 1-0 courtesy of Sunday Mba’s 40th minute strike.
Former Mighty Wanderers midfield dynamo Phillip Madinga and Flames assistant coach Patrick Mabedi, who both watched the finale, said the Burkinabes wasted time playing unnecessary short passes in their half instead of taking the game to the Super Eagles.
“I think somehow Burkina Faso showed Nigeria too much respect and played too deep instead of attacking more. I would say they were overcautious and that attributed to their failure to make meaningful attacks,” said Madinga.
On his part, Mabedi said: “For a team that was not considered a force to reckon with, I think they tried their best.”
Nigeria’s victory torched wild celebrations both in their country and in Johannesburg’s populous location of Hillbrow, where thousands of Nigerians are based.
They partied all night long in open-air joints of the city of gold.
