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Niger assistant coach Roland Corbis: We have not disappointed our fans
The Mena lost their first Afcon match against the co-hosts, and people were quick to consider their campaign a failure
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Jan 27, 2012 9:15:00 AM
By Peter Pedroncelli
Panoramic
Niger assistant coach Roland Corbis believes that his side is producing their best football, and to expect anything more than that is unrealistic.
This reaction comes as a result of the Menas 2-0 loss to co-hosts Gabon in their first Africa Cup of Nations match in Group C, with many observers suggesting that the team have failed to live up to their expectations.
Niger qualified for the tournament on top of a group that included South Africa and African giants Egypt, and in so doing they earned surprise package title for this Afcon, where they were expected to do well in their debut appearance in the competition.
Corbis was speaking at a press conference in Libreville when he addressed the issue.
“I don’t know why people say we have disappointed our fans. We haven’t. Niger played their best, within their capacity and experience,” Corbis said.
“Here is a team that did not win any match outside Niamey during the qualifiers, so what do you expect to happen.”
The assistant to Caf coach of the Year for 2011, Harouna Doula, believes that the team should be proud of themselves no matter what happens in their next match on Friday, against Tunisia.
“Even if we lose against Tunisia, it will be no big deal because our objective is not necessarily this Afcon, but the future of Niger’s football. Coming to play here is part of the process of building a team that will change the sport back home for good,” he added.
“We are producing our best team and best football. What you are seeing is all that we can offer. Anything more than this will be a surprise,” the Frenchman said.
This reaction comes as a result of the Menas 2-0 loss to co-hosts Gabon in their first Africa Cup of Nations match in Group C, with many observers suggesting that the team have failed to live up to their expectations.
Niger qualified for the tournament on top of a group that included South Africa and African giants Egypt, and in so doing they earned surprise package title for this Afcon, where they were expected to do well in their debut appearance in the competition.
Corbis was speaking at a press conference in Libreville when he addressed the issue.
“I don’t know why people say we have disappointed our fans. We haven’t. Niger played their best, within their capacity and experience,” Corbis said.
“Here is a team that did not win any match outside Niamey during the qualifiers, so what do you expect to happen.”
The assistant to Caf coach of the Year for 2011, Harouna Doula, believes that the team should be proud of themselves no matter what happens in their next match on Friday, against Tunisia.
“Even if we lose against Tunisia, it will be no big deal because our objective is not necessarily this Afcon, but the future of Niger’s football. Coming to play here is part of the process of building a team that will change the sport back home for good,” he added.
“We are producing our best team and best football. What you are seeing is all that we can offer. Anything more than this will be a surprise,” the Frenchman said.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
|
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