Black Meteors head coach Ibrahim Tanko expressed his disappointment and frustration with his players despite their 3-2 victory over Congo in the opening match of the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
Despite establishing a commanding 3-0 lead before the end of regular time, the Black Meteors allowed their opponents to score two quick goals, coming perilously close to equalizing.
Tanko voiced his anger at his players’ failure to effectively manage the game and preserve their lead. “I am extremely angry with my players. How could we let the match slip away like this?” he exclaimed during the post-match interview.
The coach emphasized that his players appeared to have forgotten the significance of the tournament, expressing his disappointment with their lack of concentration during the closing stages of the match. Tanko stressed the need for improved focus and game management in the upcoming matches of the competition.
“We will remind them of the objectives we need to achieve and the importance of our presence here,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong mindset and discipline on the field.
Despite his frustrations, Tanko acknowledged the positive aspects of his team’s performance, particularly praising the creativity exhibited by the wingers during the attacking phases of the game, “I liked the creativity our wingers showed.”
