Article by Robert Vîrdol – Published Friday, 06 February 2026, 15:11 / Updated Friday, 06 February 2026 15:12
Emil Săndoi, 61 years old, commented for Gazeta Sporturilor the duel between Craiova University and Oțelul Galați, which ended with a score of 1-0 for Olteni. The legend of the University of Craiova also revealed who is his favorite striker from the white-blue team.
Craiova University finished the stage with number 25 in first place in the ranking, thanks to the goal scored by David Matei, in the second half with Oțelul. Emil Săndoi praised Filipe Coelho's students for the victory achieved.
The former Banie coach also commented on the performances of Steven Nsimba and Assad Al Hamlawi throughout this season.
Emil Săndoi praised Steven Nsimba after the match with Oțelul Galați
Emil Săndoi / Photo source: Facebook@ University of Craiova
“Oțelul is a team that has good players, with individual quality, but the result is important. As for the number of opportunities, I don't think a comparison can be made, they didn't have an opportunity, while Craiova had. The result is as much as it can be deserved, even if at some moments Oțelul had quite good possession.
The result in Constanța did not resemble the reality on the field, from this point of view that match was an accident, which happens in football. From my point of view, it was a coincidence. A result like that can be destabilizing, because it is a big difference, but it is important that in the match with Oțelul they won, because it is a team that can catch the play-off.
There was probably more pressure on Craiova before the match and maybe that's why there were moments when the game left a lot to be desired. It is important that the team has consistency and knows how to manage the game.
Nsimba clearly won the duel with Assad. I like Nsimba better, he is much more dangerous and in my view a central defender can handle Assad better. Nsimba also participated in the goal, it was his creation that demarcation, then the cross. He is a dangerous player and is very difficult to keep, for example you make it easier to mark Assad”, said Emil Săndoi for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Steven Nsimba in Craiova University – FC Botoșani // photo: Andrei Furnigă (GSP.ro)
The Oltenians are preparing for the match with Dinamo
Craiova University will meet Dinamo, one of the rivals for the title this season, in the next round. The Oltenians have a chance to distance themselves in the standings, but they can also lose their advantage over the “dogs” if they are defeated.
The duel will be played on Monday evening at 20:00 at the National Arena.
