AFCON
“Tough To See Players Cry” –
A dejected Senegal boss Aliou Cisse says it was “tough to see the players cry” in the locker room after their shock penalty shootout defeat by Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.
The reigning champions were dumped out 5-4 on penalties by the tournament hosts on Monday following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time.
“I am disappointed after this result, especially for our players. We came here to retain the title and play for our people,” rued Cisse.
The coach said losing in such fashion after dominating the match made the pain worse.
“It’s tough to see the players cry in the locker room. The match was strange and complicated; we could have won,” Cisse noted.
Senegal led until the 86th minute when Franck Kessie equalized from the penalty spot. And Cisse felt his side failed to manage the game well enough when it mattered most.
“We lost on penalties; we kept our lead until the last 5 minutes. I am disappointed after this defeat, especially after our performance and from the first match,” he lamented.
With Senegal’s trophy defense now over, Cisse acknowledged changes are inevitable as the team looks to rebuild.
“We need to make changes after this defeat; we’ll see what happens in the future. There is sorrow, and our players are sad, as is the Senegalese people,” the coach admitted.
However, Cisse took pride in Senegal’s undefeated group stage campaign. “We prepared well and let’s not forget we have 3 wins in 3 matches,” he added.
After falling short of retaining their title in dramatic fashion, Cisse knows Senegal must pick themselves up and work to bounce back stronger.
-CAF
AFCON
Libya’s AFCON dreams go up in flames!
The hopes of Libya securing a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ticket seem to have gone up in smoke. This is the sequel to the 2-1 defeat that Rwanda inflicted on the Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.
With the result, Libya’s position is further cemented at the bottom of the table. Nigeria, even with an outstanding match, still leads with seven points.
They are followed by Benin Republic who have six points. Rwanda followed with five points.
The star men were Innocent Nshuti and Djihad Bizimana who scored in the space of two minutes as Rwanda came from behind to defeat Benin 2-1 at Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, October 15.
AFCON
Rwanda breaks 12-year jinx in victory over Benin Republic
Rwanda’s defeat of Benin Republic is not just their first win in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, the victory terminates a 12-year winless streak against the Cheetah of Benin.
It is also a renewal of their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But they still have two more games to play.
The German made two changes from the side that started against Benin last week as Samuel Gueulette and Emmanuel Imanishimwe came in for Kevin Muhire and Claude Niyomugabo respectively.
AFCON
Libya vs Nigeria: CAF lifts the burden off Nigeria
The press release on Tuesday by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may have lifted a burden off Nigeria as the match with Libya is considered postponed rather than the Super Eagles refusing to play.
The continental body remarked that the matter would be referred to the competent CAF bodies.
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