Sunday Oliseh: Many African teams can beat England

England in action against Senegal:

Photo Credit: Senegal Football Federation Facebook page.

Nigerian football legend Sunday Oliseh has explained the only reason few African national teams have not been able to beat European opposition such as England.

He was reacting to Senegal’s Teranga Lions’ 3-1 trouncing of the Three Lions in a friendly on Tuesday, becoming the first team from the continent to do so.

The former Super Eagles coach insisted that there are many strong teams in Africa capable of defeating European teams.

He, however, noted that the introduction of some competitions in Europe had limited the number of opportunities for meetings between African and European opposition and limited such prospects.

“The introduction of the European nations league eliminated almost all possible international friendly matches windows, that is in my opinion, the only reason Teams like England do not get beaten often by African teams. The gap is no longer that significant unlike in the 80’s,” Oliseh tweeted.

Senegal beat England at the City Ground stadium in Nottingham through goals from Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr, and Cheikh Sabaly. The hosts were the first to take the lead through Harry Kane before the Africans fought back.

Before meeting England, the Teranga Lions played against Ireland and drew 1-1 on June 6 in Dublin.