Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda was disappointed following his side's 1-0 loss to Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, saying that they were denied a legitimate goal in the first half.

Augustine Mulenga's goal on 24 minutes was later canceled for offside, but television replays, which can't be manipulated, prove that the Zanaco star was being played onside by William Troost-Ekong.

Nigeria defenders Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Echiejile and Shehu were playing a very risky game in the first half, moving away from the goal they were supposed to be defending, and would have been punished for their high defensive line tactics if Mulenga was not denied a clear goal.

''We played the best game in the series (World Cup qualifiers). The goal Mulenga scored could have stood,'' Wedson Nyirenda stated. 

''This team will be ready to win the Africa Cup in the near future. I am proud of them.''

The high defensive line tactics was pioneered by Rinus Michels, Arrigo Sacchi and Graham Taylor and usually operated by Barcelona, Ajax Amsterdam, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the modern era.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : naij.com