We Underrated Strikers – Alpha FC

Coach Philip Makanaki of
Alpha Football Club of Abuja has blamed his players for underrating the Medical Strikers FC in their last group match at the ongoing FCT Football League.
Makanaki said on Wednesday in Abuja that his players underrated their opponents because they had already qualified for the semi-finals of the league.
The match played on Tuesday was to determine the Group A winners as both teams had already qualified for the semi-finals.
But Alpha FC lost 2-4 to concede group leadership to the Medical Strikers who ended up with seven points from three matches after two wins and one draw.
“We have learnt a lot of lessons from this game, because my boys really underrated our opponents. They acted like that because they already have a semi-final ticket.
“I told them before the game to play the match without doing anything silly, and that they should face them squarely so as to end the group as champions, without losing any of our matches.
“But if not for all those errors, and the attitude and character they showed because they have nothing to lose, it is clear that our opponents do not measure up to our standard in the competition.
“We would have won the game because we created good chances. But we could not convert them to goals,’’ Makanaki said.
The coach however accused the game’s referees of poor officiating, saying this contributed to his team’s poor performance.
“The referees contributed to our failure through their officiating, because any movement my players made was stopped by the referees through their whistle and flags. The players were issued cards anyhow.
“It was through sheer luck that we were able to score those two goals we had,’’ he said.
Makanaki then advised that the referees’ knowledge should be refreshed by keeping them abreast of the new rules of the game.
“The officials in charge of this competition need to find a way to refreshen the knowledge of the referees.
“Above all, I think Nigerian referees need to watch the matches in leagues in Europe or other African leagues to observe and learn from the standard of officiating,’’ he said.
Alpha FC qualified for the semi-finals after winning two matches and losing one, to end up with six points and finish second in the group.