Chippa United coach Thabo September has apologised to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for forcing him to play in a Betway Premiership match lost 1-0 to TS Galaxy following his blunder on Saturday.
September said the Super Eagles' number one had excused himself from the game for personal reasons, but he encouraged him to play at Mbombela Stadium.
The game seemed headed for a draw only for Nwabali to gift the hosts a goal. Galaxy substitute striker Damir Sovsic intercepted the Nigerian's kick and chipped the ball into the empty net in the 80th minute.
Reflecting on the moment that cost them three points, September said: “I forced my goalkeeper to play because he is going through a lot. He is number one; one of the best goalkeepers in Africa but the mistake is on me. He asked me not to play but I pushed him to play. I am sorry for him.”
September did not disclose why Nwabali excused himself from the game but the Nigerian lost his mother last month.
The Chilli Boys' coach felt his side deserved a point from the game.
“I feel like the players gave their best. We managed the game very well in our defensive structure,” he added.
“I am happy for the players’ performance. If you leave the four lines, you must leave knowing you have done your best. I am happy for the players. Sometimes as a coach, you want things out of your players, and when you get them, be happy even when you lose.”
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