Chipolopolo coach Wedson Nyirenda has defended striker Alex Ng’onga who missed several close range opportunities of scoring in the game against Algeria.

The Power Dynamos striker played as a second half substitute in the game, but has come under heavy criticism from fans for his modest displays.

“The criticism is because of the chance he missed (in the 3-1 home win). The job of striker is to look for goals but you cannot be guaranteed that every chance you have, you will score. What I hate most is a striker who does not even take chances because you are not completing the circle, said Nyirenda.

“But if you have a striker knocking on the door, looking for a chance to score, he is trying to do what a striker should do. Had he scored that chance he missed, people would have been talking about other things. We will help him and it doesn’t augur well if we just say ‘drop him, drop him’ that is not the way to go. The way to go is to help him change on the final lap.”

Ng’onga was recalled to the Chipolopolo fold in August after his hot form at Power since rejoining the Kitwe outfits in July.

Ng’onga has scored 6 goals for 3rd placed Power since his return to Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.