Former Edo Queens coach, Stanley Osaze, has revealed that the team’s loss of concentration in the final moments of their semi-final match against TP Mazembe Women ultimately cost them a spot in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In an exclusive interview with Brila.net after the team’s defeat, Osaze highlighted the key factors that led to their loss, noting that the fighting spirit and intensity displayed during their last group match against Sundowns Women was missing in the semi-final.
He explained the team’s inability to maintain focus throughout the match played a significant role in their downfall.
“Sometimes in football you can give your all and you play well and in the long run, never say never, that’s what we call it, it can just happen,” Osaze stated.
“I think the guests lost concentration towards the diamond and that was their strong point in their last game before this game.”
“I was expecting something that had happened in the last game where the spirit was up.”
Osaze also pointed out a tactical change by the head coach, where a defender was brought into command.
Edo Queens were defeated 3-1 by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe
While this strategy was intended to strengthen the team’s defense, Osaze felt it ultimately did not work in their favor.
“You never had that attitude in the last game before the semi-finals and so that was what I think.”
“However, there was a tactical change from our head coach where a defender was brought into command so they fought back. I think that one didn’t work for us.”
Osaze, regardless explained the harsh realities of football, stating it’s a game full of unpredictability and human error.
He complimented and advised the team to hold their heads high for their accomplishments.
“It was a major issue but sometimes in football you do one plus one, you get nine. Sometimes you get zero, sometimes you get one. It’s also a natural game, they are humans.”
“You cannot look at human errors and so it’s part of the game. So I think the loss, my agenda was that they lost concentration towards the end of the game. That’s my take.”
