Percy Tau Criticizes Nigeria’s Defensive Play

South Africa forward, Percy Tau, has given reasons his team could not beat the Super Eagles in their African Cup of Nations qualifier played in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Tau, who received the Man of the Match award after the 1-1 draw, criticized the West Africans for playing defensive football.

Tau said the Super Eagles played with five defenders at the back especially in the second half and Bafana Bafana could not grab a winner because they came up against a wall.

Percy Tau of South Africa challenged by Iwobi Alexander Chuka of Nigeria during the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr switched to a 3-5-2 formation against the South Africans, with wing-backs Samuel Kalu and Jamilu Collins expected to join Omeruo, Balogun, and Troost-Ekong in defense when they lose possession.

”We were trying to do everything to win this match. We gave our best it’s unfortunate that we didn’t win the match. We just hope we’ll still qualify. We’ll keep on going,” Tau told SuperSport TV.

”We didn’t want to concede but they are a good side and they managed to score.

”We came back to score the one goal, we should have pushed for more. But they were very defensive, it was tricky with five defenders at the back.”

Tau’s side now need a win against Libya in the final day of qualifying to ensure their place in the 2019 AFCON Finals.