Luanda – Angola head-coach Pedro Gonçalves on Monday said the 3-3 draw his side conceded to Mali in the opening match of the African Football Championship (CHAN) for home-based players was unfair, taking into consideration everything that his team produced in the pitch, especially during the first 45 minutes.
Speaking in a post match press conference of the competition being held in Algeria, Pedro Gonçalves said Angola could well have finished the first half with more than three goals, taking into account the number of opportunities the team created.
The coach added that after the team had a 3-1 lead, Angola had the game under control until the opponent reduced to 2-3, which emotionally affected the players.
According to Pedro Gonçalves, the squad were affected by the second goal conceded, which brought about bad memories of the same situation experienced in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, when the team ended tied 4-4 at the end of the match after leading 4-0 against the same opponent.
Angola will have to learn to be more competitive, the coach said, adding that the time is now to correct the mistakes made ahead of the next match with Mauritania for the second round of the competition.
Angola’s goals were scored by Depú, at 12 and 26 minutes and Gilberto, at 72`.
Hamidou Sinayoko (23`), Yaro Mamadou Diaby (78`) and Ousmane Coulibaly (83`) scored the goals for Mali.
