After a hard-fought goalless draw against Akwa United, Sporting Lagos’ Assistant Coach Edward Green shared his thoughts on the match, highlighting the team’s strategic approach and resilience on the field.
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Sporting Lagos approached the game with a clear strategy, aiming to disrupt Akwa United, who had recently conceded five goals in their previous match.
The coach acknowledged Akwa United’s attacking prowess, as they managed to score three goals away, but Sporting Lagos remained resolute in their defensive efforts.
“Basically, we came here trying to cause Akwa United some problems, knowing that they went away and lost 5-3 in their last match,” Assistant Coach Edward Green stated. “But we also recognized a team that could score three away goals as a good attacking side. So we tried to see if we could play behind them, but it wasn’t so easy.”
Despite the challenging circumstances, the coach expressed satisfaction with the goalless draw, emphasizing the importance of securing points on the road. “We are happy with the result, and it is a good one going forward because we won a point, and we are going back home. So, we’ll build on that.”
Regarding the team’s defensive performance, he emphasized the need to remain adaptable in different situations. “Sometimes it’s not like you have a bad defense.
You don’t expect to be at 100% in all games, but you try to stay in contention and make sure you don’t concede. You stick to your tactical plan and encourage your players going forward.”
Highlighting Sporting Lagos’ strengths, he pointed out their mobility and ability to recover quickly. “Our major strength is mobility. We’ve been able to shift in time and close up the gap.
There were so many times we lost the ball in the back against Gombe United, but we were able to recover, and our wingers are giving us a lot of balance.”
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Despite having a relatively small squad with just 26 players, the coach praised the team’s collective responsibility and commitment to their roles. “Everybody in the squad knows their duty. So whenever you’re called upon, you just have to do your job.”
Regarding the performance of Junior Lokosa, who came on during a challenging phase of the game, the coach acknowledged his effort and the context in which he played. “You can’t really judge him. We were trying to get back into the game, and Akwa United came back strong.
We were a bit more focused on the defensive side. So you cannot judge him. He’s a fine player, a good player. He did what he was asked to do, and he’s a bit emotional, but growth is constant.”
The goalless draw showcased Sporting Lagos’ tactical discipline and adaptability, providing a valuable point in their ongoing campaign.
