
It was not easy for us because South Africa played well and they created good chances, but we managed to defend well. It was important that we started with a win as host. Coming into the game, we knew little about the South Africa team but as the match went on, we knew how to play them. We changed our player (Ibrahima Diedhiou) because he could have been shown a straight red card for the penalty he gave away, but that was to protect him for the coming games.
It was difficult at the start but we're satisfied with the result because the team is very good.
South Africa is a good team as well and they created some good chances. We want the Senegalese public to come out and give the team then necessary support because with their support we can do a lot at this tournament. We're ready for the next game, because we want to take it match by match.
Owen da Gama (Head Coach, South Africa)
I congratulate Senegal for the win because they were the better side today. I don't want to take excuses but we didn't play to our best at all today. We will keep on working to leave our mark here. We created the first chances of this match but we couldn't convert them.
I'm really proud of our performance despite of the defeat because most our players are young. Our main striker was playing very deep but he's only 18-years and he's a new sensation in South Africa. We can still qualify from the group.
Phumlani Ntshangase (Striker, South Africa)
We tried to give our best but we faced a difficult opponent. For most of our players, this is their first international match. We can still qualify because we're here to secure our place for Rio de Janeiro.