CHAN 2018: Angola coach bemoans cruel defeat to Nigeria

Angola coach SrdanVasiljevic has lamented their excruciating 2-1 loss to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship on Sunday.

After taking a 55^th minute lead through Vladimir Va, the Palancas Negras were stung at the death when Anthony Okpotu struck in injury time to send the game to extra-time.

And there was more agony for the Southern African side as substitute Gabriel Okechukwu netted in the 109^th minute to send the Super Eagles through to the last four.

“Football is sometimes not favourable,” Vasiljevic said, as reported by Cafonline.

“We scored and Nigeria equalised in the last minute before winning it in extra-time.

“We thought it was enough to hold on for a win, but it wasn't enough, and we lost. I hoped to have a good result, but this is football for you.

“The tournament provides us with a lot of experience which will help us going forward because this is a tournament that gives great experience to our players.”

On their third appearance at the biennial championship, Angola fell short of, in the least, equaling their runners-up feat achieved in 2011.

In 2016, the Palancas Negras were bundled out of the competition after the group stage.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will go on to face 2011 third-placed side Sudan in Marrakech on Wednesday.