Paqueta “I’m satisfied with the performance of my team”

Libya coach Marcos Paqueta has applauded the performance of his team despite their failure to reach the knockout stage of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The North Africans beat Senegal 2-1 in their final Group A match on Sunday in Bata; yet fell short of qualification after Zambia beat co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. It was the second time the 1982 losing finalists have failed to reach the quarter finals after a similar fate in 2006 in Egypt.

 

“My team played very well offensively today. Senegal is a very strong side and it was difficult to play against them.

 

“The result is very important for us. It is the crowning moment for my team,” Paqueta told Cafonline.com after the ultimate match at the tournament.

 

The Brazilian explained that the team’s performance counts as satisfactory due to the condition of his team in the build up to the tournament, referring to the civil unrest that rocked Libya last year.

 

“I’m satisfied with the performance of my team. Taking into consideration the condition back home, most of the players have been inactive due to the abandoning of the local league. Mentally, it affected the players with the situation of their families back home.

 

“The team got better match after match and that is a positive sign. They performed as expected.”

 

Paqueta is urging the Libya Football Federation to keep the team together for future competitions after showing so much promise.

 

“After this performance, I am calling on the federation to support the team and help the players improve for the future.”

 

Libya finished on four points, two points adrift of co-hosts Equatorial Guinea and three points behind leaders Zambia. Senegal finished bottom with no point.