El Merreikh Bentiu coach has defended time-wasting tactics in CAF Champions League win over Gor Mahia.
El Merreikh Bentiu head coach Ramzi Sebit has defended his players’ time-wasting tactics during their 1-0 win over Gor Mahia in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg clash at Juba Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The game has sparked a heated debate about sportsmanship as tactics deployed by the South Sudanese champions bent the norms of fair play to secure a slender advantage.
Responding to accusations from Gor Mahia’s head coach, Lénardo Neiva, who criticized the Sudanese team for time-wasting tactics Ramzi Sebit was unapologetic.
“Football is a game of numbers, and what matters at the end of the day is the number of goals you score against your opponent,” he said in a post-match interview as per The Star.
The gaffer further argued that achieving results sometimes requires a less aesthetic approach to the game.
“Play ugly and get the results, that’s why we’ve managed to beat Kenyan champions Gor Mahia today, and we will repeat it again if need be,” Sebit expressed defiantly.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with neither side breaking the deadlock in the first half.
However, the dynamics shifted when Mohamed Musa found the net in the 63rd minute, placing El Merreikh Bentiu ahead.
Despite the setbacks, Gor Mahia remains hopeful as they landed in Nairobi on Monday, planning to take a one-day break before resuming training to focus on their strategy for the return leg on Sunday, August 25 at Nyayo National Stadium.
A victory in this upcoming match is crucial for advancing in the tournament and potentially facing the defending champions Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the next round.
