Black Meteors head coach Ibrahim Tanko expressed his deep frustration and disappointment with his players, despite their 3-2 victory over Congo in their opening match of the 2023 U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
Despite taking a commanding 3-0 lead before the end of regulation, the Black Meteors allowed their opponents to score two quick goals, coming dangerously close to an equalizer.
Tanko voiced his anger at his players' failure to effectively manage the game and maintain 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 seemed to have forgotten the significance of the tournament, expressing his disappointment at their lapse in 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 displayed by the wingers in the attacking phases of the game. “I liked the creativity our wingers showed.”