NPFL : We tactically planned 3SC defeat- Amunike
From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Coach Emmanuel Amunike of Heartland FC, Owerri says the 2-1 defeat of Shooting Stars FC, Ibadan (3SC) last Sunday at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri by his club in week 24 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL was tactically planned in view of the strength of the team and their gaffer.
Amunike who’s the Technical Adviser of the Naze millionaires disclosed this during a post match media interaction held shortly after the tension soaked game at the VIP stand of the stadium.
“We knew how good Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan were, and we tactically planned for them. Thus, we frustrated them through out the entire game, we were persistently a threat in their goal post.
“It was a good and highly intensive game from both sides, they came out with their game plans but unfortunately for them,we came out with a better strategic tactical plans that never allowed them to execute their game plans.
“We subjected them always in constant pressure that made them seem frustrated, because they are a team that likes to play from behind, this made them to play out of their mastery by playing long games, passing the mid field trying to locate their strikers, which created further confusion and imbalance within them.
“Our plans paid off and we got our three points. We have to enjoy the victory moment and forge ahead for the subsequent battles” he insisted.
As if to justify Amuneke’s revelation, the Head of 3SC FC, Ibadan, technical crew, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote said, “The game was not bad, Heartland FC played good game and with a good coach, honestly, their tactics worked for them, thus from the beginning to the end of the game, they never gave us any breathing space.
“They never allowed our boys to settle with the ball, am sure, that was their tactics and it worked for them”.
Amunike further expressed optimism that his club has the chances of lifting the league but with instinct of hard work and God’s grace noting that his team is mostly constituted with young players that are futuristic.
According to him,” It’s a process, like I always emphasized, am not the type that likes to make promises to people. What I can tell you is that hard work will never be non negotiable item in anything that can make us grow as a team “
