African players abroad Europa League: Iheanacho in action as Leicester book round of 32 ticket

 
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho fired blank as Leicester City booked qualifications to the round of 32 in the Europa League following a 3-3 draw against SC Braga.

 
Iheanacho started for the Foxes in an enthralling encounter between the two side who were looking to to pull clear in Group G.
 
He was substituted in the 69th minute for Ayoze Perez when Leicester were trailing 2-1.
 
Al Musrati gave Braga the lead just four minutes of play in the first half before Harvey Barnes levelled for Leicester City five minutes later.
 
Paulinho then restored Braga lead in the 24th minute as both teams headed to the dressing room with the host leading 2-1.
 
Luke Thomas equalized for the visitors in the 79th minute.
 
Fransergio struck what would have been a heavy blow as he scored in the 90th minute and just when Braga thought they have the three points, Jamie Vardy scored 30 seconds to added time.
 
 

“We’ve achieved the first objective, which is to qualify.

 “Now, we want to try and ensure that we go on and win the group.

“It was a really good game. 

“I thought in the second half, we were outstanding. 

“We came from behind three times.

“We weren’t very good in the first half at all, we were too slow, and that means that defensively and offensively, it was too static. 

“So, they were the better team in the first half, then we made some changes in the second half. 

“That brought a different dynamic to the team – better movement, better speed in the game. 

“We were excellent in the second half.

“In saying that, we made a mistake in our pressing and they had the chance to win it, but it just typifies the mentality in the group to keep going and to get that equaliser right at the end. 

“We thoroughly deserved it and that was obviously an important point for us.”

For Rodgers, that displayed his side’s undeniable character, as they bounced back from Sunday’s frustrating loss at Liverpool.

“It says everything – they’re never beaten – and that’s what is important,” Rodgers said. “It’s important for us coming off a disappointing result against Liverpool that we come in and perform well.

“I think there was a little bit of a hangover from that in the first half. 

“Obviously, I’m having to make changes to manage the physicality of the team. 

“Our challenge in the second half was to come back and not lose the game.

“I thought we did that, and I thought we were excellent in our play. 

“We got into some great areas and maybe should have won the game. 

“But we’ll take the point, away from home in Europe. 

“A point is important and we’re really happy to qualify.”


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