Congo Coach proud despite draw

ZANZIBAR: CONGO Brazzaville Head Coach Barthélémy Ngatsono expressed pride in his team’s performance against defending champions Senegal, despite settling for a 1-1 draw in their 2024 CHAN Group D match at New Amaan Complex on Tuesday.

“We were close to victory, but football is unpredictable. A mistake cost us the equaliser. That said, we stood up to the African champions, and that remains a source of pride,” Ngatsono said.

Ngatsono highlighted his team’s resilience, adding, “From the start, we refused to be overawed. Our aggression and organisation rattled Senegal.”

Senegal head coach Souleymane Diallo praised Congo’s tactics, admitting his side faced significant challenges. “It took us 25 to 30 minutes to set up. Congo put us under pressure, with a high pressing and a very well thought out strategy. They put us in difficulty,” he said.

Diallo also spoke of the impact of his tactical changes during the match. “Our bench made the difference. They are not just substitutes; they are key elements of our squad. Especially in defence, they brought stability and new energy when needed.”

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Ngatsono acknowledged the impact of unforeseen substitutions late in the game. “We didn’t anticipate these changes. Unfortunately, this destabilised our defence. Some players lacked experience, but these are moments that make you progress,” he reflected.

Looking ahead, Ngatsono remained optimistic about Congo’s chances in the tournament: “This draw keeps us alive. We are still aiming for the quarter-finals.”