Congo coach Claude Le Roy couldn’t stop talking about his team’s famous victory over the Super Eagles in Calabar during the Africa Nations Cup qualifiers. After Congo pipped Gabon 1-0 at the Bata Stadium in a Group A match at the on going 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea, Le Roy recalled he felt like that magical night in Calabar.
During the post match press conference, the Frenchman pronounced the name “Nigeria” four times as though the team he had just played against were the Super Eagles.
“I am really proud of the morale and strength my team displayed (Wednesday night). That was what they showed against Nigeria during the qualifiers,” Le Roy said, in reference to his team’s 3-2 triumph over the Super Eagles in Calabar.
When asked what was behind his team’s success against the Panthers of Gabon, the former Ghana and DR Congo coach chose Nigeria as response once more.
“Look, we are a young and unexposed team but right from the qualifying campaign my players proved that they can get to places. Imagine we were the only team who went to beat Nigeria on their home turf in Calabar after many decades. No other team had gone to Nigeria and defeat the Super Eagles there for many years.”
Responding to another question on whether he would go for a draw against Burkina Faso in the group’s final match which would seal Congo’s qualification to the knockout phase, Le Roy fumed, took off his glasses and said.
“I never prepare my team for a draw. That was exactly what I was told to do when we travelled to play Nigeria in Calabar. But I said no, that I wanted a win, which eventually happened,” he said.
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
