Mabo, Mashilo in war of words

South Africa’s Coach drew first blood when he said Nigeria won but the referees may have helped victory go to the Banyana Banyana.

According to him, whenever Nigeria plays South Africa, they always give the fans a good game until something “spoils it”

“I congratulate Mabo for qualifying for the Olympics by beating out sick but very strong team, but I wonder why every time we play Nigeria something like this happens to ensure Nigeria wins. I have never seen a situation where the referee has to ask a fourth official before issuing a red card to a player when she already wanted to give a yellow yard. They must have agreed on that just to weaken our team.”

Greg Mashilo also insinuated that if the match had been played on Friday against a fit South African side it would have taken a miracle for the Nigerian side to emerge victorious.

Ismaila Mabo, advised his South counterpart to go back home and improve on his strategy rather than blame other circumstances for his loss.

“I’m happy you first congratulated me for winning, and I’m sure you remember that since 1998 whenever we meet, you congratulate me after games because I keep winning,” Mabo said rather tongue in cheek

Mabo said his side totally dominated the game but were unlucky not to score more that seven goals in the match.

“We are still the best side in Africa and I advise you to work out a strategy that will have them give Africa two slots for the Olympics because as far as it remains one slot for Africa, the Falcons will still qualify year in year out.

MAshilo said there will be no protest against the officiating since they have accepted the result in good faith.