Seychelles coach Bruno Saindini has lauded his team’s performance after splitting points with Ethiopia in a 1-1 draw on Saturday in Mahe.
Veteran Nelson Laurence gave the Islanders a first half lead from the spot before Seyoum Tesfaye drew level for the Walias few minutes after the break.
Despite finishing the game with ten men after midfielder Trevor Vidot was sent off three minutes into the second half following a second yellow card for allegedly elbowing Gatoch Panora, Seychelles managed to steal a point off Ethiopia in the Group J encounter to earn their first point of the campaign, a result which excites Saindini.
Veteran Nelson Laurence gave the Islanders a first half lead from the spot before Seyoum Tesfaye drew level for the Walias few minutes after the break.
Despite finishing the game with ten men after midfielder Trevor Vidot was sent off three minutes into the second half following a second yellow card for allegedly elbowing Gatoch Panora, Seychelles managed to steal a point off Ethiopia in the Group J encounter to earn their first point of the campaign, a result which excites Saindini.
“I was very impressed with our first half performance but when we fell a man behind, it was difficult against a very good team.
“I must congratulate my players for fighting till the end. I’m very happy with our overall performance and fighting spirit,” Saindini said.
On his part, Seychelles captain Yannick Manoo said “we started very well and I’m surprised with our opponent as I expected them to be much stronger. We were able to cope with them though when we were reduced to ten, it was tough.
“I’m very satisfied with the point and I feel that if we play with this same approach, we should not fear any team,” he added.
Seychelles have one point from two games, three more than Ethiopia, who sit temporarily at the summit of Group J. Algeria has three points and Lesotho with no point.
On the otherhand, Ethiopia coach Yohanes Sahle was visibly disappointed after sharing points in a game he believed they could have won.
“I felt my players underestimated Seychelles as we started slowly. We tried to wake up in the second half. They fought hard and deserved a draw but I’m disappointed with my players who were selfish and wasted some goal scoring opportunities,” said Sahle.
“I must congratulate my players for fighting till the end. I’m very happy with our overall performance and fighting spirit,” Saindini said.
On his part, Seychelles captain Yannick Manoo said “we started very well and I’m surprised with our opponent as I expected them to be much stronger. We were able to cope with them though when we were reduced to ten, it was tough.
“I’m very satisfied with the point and I feel that if we play with this same approach, we should not fear any team,” he added.
Seychelles have one point from two games, three more than Ethiopia, who sit temporarily at the summit of Group J. Algeria has three points and Lesotho with no point.
On the otherhand, Ethiopia coach Yohanes Sahle was visibly disappointed after sharing points in a game he believed they could have won.
“I felt my players underestimated Seychelles as we started slowly. We tried to wake up in the second half. They fought hard and deserved a draw but I’m disappointed with my players who were selfish and wasted some goal scoring opportunities,” said Sahle.
By: Editor
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