DESPITE a gallant performance against Senegal in Dakar on Saturday evening that included a penalty save by Max Mbaeva, the Brave Warriors lost 2-0 in their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group K qualifier at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor.
Senegal led 1-0 at halftime through a goal by Ibrahima Balde, while a last minute penalty by Mame Diouf made the final score 2-0 to the Teranga Lions.
Brave Warriors coach Ricardo Mannetti, despite being disappointed with the result, commended his players for their attitude and character on the day.
“After all the difficulties we faced ahead of this game and missing some key players, the guys that played today in first competitive game in over two months and against European-based players, were remarkable and showed great character,” Mannetti said after the match.
Mannetti sang the praises of stand-in captain, Golden Arrows goalkeeper Max Mbaeva who saved a penalty and was exceptional in goal against the straight-shooting Senegal side.
“Max was wonderful in goal today and did so well with all the pressure and exceptional talent of Senegal. Our players played to our tactics and frustrated the opposition for the better part of the game and I bet if we could have prepared better, the outcome could have made for better reading. The issues back home took a toll on the boys but they remained great sons and true ambassadors,” Mannetti said.
Hendrick Somaeb, Petrus Shitembi and Benson Shilongo had chances for the Warriors that they failed to convert in a game in which Shilongo replaced Somaeb, Dynamo Fredericks came on for Deon Hotto and Absalom Iimbondi replaced Itamunua Keimuine.
Senegal finished the group on top on 18 points with Burundi second on six, the same points as third-placed Namibia, while Niger are last on three points. Niger will host Burundi on Sunday.
Brave Warriors vs Senegal: Max Mbaeva, Chris Katjiukua, Ferdinand Karongee, Junior Gebhardt, Larry Horaeb, Wangu Gome, Oswaldo Xamseb, Deon Hotto, Petrus Shitembi, Hendrick Somaeb and Itamunua Keimuine. – nfa.org.na
