Akpeyi disagrees with critics over defeat to Al Ahly in CAF Champions League final
SUPER Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, says the CAF Champions League final against Al Ahly of Egypt on Saturday remains one of the best moments in his football career.
Though, Kaizer Chiefs lost 3- 0 to the Egyptian giants in the final played at Stade Mohamed V stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, Akpeyi said his team tried everything possible to win the trophy. “Everybody in Kaizer Chiefs did everything possible to win the trophy but it didn’t work out. We worked so hard to get to the final after almost half a century. It was one of the best in my career, and I will still win the trophy someday,” Akpeyi said in a message to The Guardian.
Some critics have blamed Akpeyi after conceding three second- half goals in Saturday’s final, but the Delta State- born goalkeeper says he does not want to join issues with anybody.
He said: “I got accolades from many people including our supporters who watched the match. They rated me as the outstanding goalkeeper. I guess those people who are blaming me for the goals might be looking for their story as usual, but I am not interested in what they say. I am sure they did not watch the match.
He continued: “Their debate back home does not mean anything to me neither Kaizer Chiefs. Maybe, they only hear the scores and did not watch the game, and as usual, they are hoping that it’s my fault so that they can have bad report about me to help their clients in the national team. But I have passed that stage of the game to bother what some Nigerians think.
“It’s one of the best in my career and I will still win it, someday. I don’t have time for their negative reports about me,” Akpeyi stated.
Goals from Mohamed Sherif, Mohamed Magdi Kafsha and Amr Al Sulaya powered Al Alhy to their 10th Champions League crown in history and their second title in a row.
Some soccer analysts suggest that Kaizer Chief defence did not do enough to cover Akpeyi during the game.