Congo’s head coach Fabrizio Cesana was left dissatisfied after their 1-1 draw against tournament debutants Somalia in Algiers on Tuesday night. 

Speaking during his post-match interview after their second Group A tie, Cesana lost count of how many times they failed to put opportunities to score in the tie to bed.

“Everyone watched the match, and I could not count the attempts we had in front of the goal. In football, when you don’t convert your chances – you are punished. We played well and created chances, but we just couldn’t score. This is a thing that we need to discuss with the players,” the coach said after the match.”

Despite the draw, Cesana says they will mount a good challenge when they face Algeria in their final group stage match on Friday as they look to clinch the single available automatic ticket to the quarter-finals.

“We failed to get the victory today, but we are still going to strive to qualify. Winning against Somalia was within our reach, but we did not do it. Now we focus on the next match and seek to get three points,” he said.

He says his side will have to be at their best against Algeria, especially after they lost 3-0 against Senegal and will be keen to bounce back.

A victory for Congo against Algeria will hoist them into second place which is coach Cesana’s target.

First-ever goal ✅
First-ever point 🆕

A HISTORIC NIGHT FOR SOMALIA! #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 pic.twitter.com/0xNT0ZQ5xC

— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 2, 2023

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