Head coach Jean Louis Gasset of Cote d’Ivoire has explained why his team suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON.
In his post-match reactions, he explained that his team encountered difficulties breaking down the Super Eagles and ultimately conceded a penalty in the second half.
His words: “It was a very physical match; Nigeria chose to play very low with a five-man defense to exploit counterattacks with their star striker. It was a tightly contested match.
We didn’t give the impression of being able to compete physically.
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“We could not impose ourselves physically, but it was the small details that favored Nigeria.
This sentiment highlights the coach’s recognition of the fine margins that can determine the outcome of a high-stakes football encounter.”
Looking ahead, Cote d’Ivoire is set to face Equatorial Guinea in their final group game on Monday, while Nigeria will take on Guinea-Bissau simultaneously.
Both teams will be aiming to secure their spots in the next stage of the tournament
