Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Tunisia coach Trabelsi keeps the faith
Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi says he always had belief in his side after dramatic win over Algeria
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi insisted he always had belief in his side following Youssef Masakni’s stoppage-time winner over Algeria in their Group D Africa Cup of Nations clash in Rustenburg.
Masakni’s late goal secured a dramatic win in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium for the Eagles of Carthage, in a game the Algerians dominated.
And though Treblesi gave credit to their opponents, he admitted the result demonstrated the joy of football’s unpredictability.
“Sometimes there is no logic in football and a match can change any time, but we always believed we could win,” said Trabelsi.
“Unfortunately, when Issam Jemaa came off early on it left us missing something up front. Bravo to Algeria also – they played a good match.
“You have to be really patient in a match like that as they are often decided at the last minute.”
Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic was in disbelief his side had got nothing from the game, adding that naivety in one moment ultimately cost them.
“The result was an enormous disappointment for my players, we deserved to get something out of the game,” said Halilhodzic.
“I can’t criticise any of my players tonight and the goal came at the end. It’s cruel, but that’s football.
“My team largely dominated, but I told them Msakni could cause trouble with his right foot and we were a little naive at the moment that decided the game.”
