MFM Lost To A Better Side

Chief Coach of MFM, Yaba, Fidelis Ilechukwu, is not happy over his team’s defeat by lowly rated Ristinego FC in the opening match of Boska Cup. In this interview, he speaks to SUNDAY AKINTOYE about the match

Your team have crashed out in this year’s Boska Cup; are you disappointed?

I am disappointed because I didn’t expect that a defending champion will not go beyond the first round. It was a bad outing for me and the team generally but we have to accept the defeat in good faith.

Can we say that your team lost to a better side?

If you say my team lost to a better side, I will agree with you because if Ristinego FC can beat us, it means that our opponents are good and prepared well for the championship.

How do you rate the encounter?

Both teams played good football. The match was balanced, the officiating was superb and the players showed skills and physical strength. We tried to win the game at regulation time but our opponents forced us to a draw. Unfortunately, we lost in the penalty shootout.

What actually responsible for your team’s loss?

All I can say is that immediately we won last year’s edition, some of our good players left the club for greener pastures. I recruited fresh legs to the team which I used for Boska Cup, unfortunately, we did not go beyond the first round.

Do you see Ristinego FC go far in this tournament?

Ristinego FC are a good side but it will be difficult for me to tip them for the coveted trophy because there are other teams that I have not watched in this competition. If Ristinego FC reach the quarter final, I will be able to assess them.