The Libyans lost 0-1 to co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in their Group A opener on Saturday at the Estadio de Bata and Paqueta has described the result as a big blow to their chances.
“We started very well and were in control. Suddenly, the team got nervous and gave out loose balls. We were in control of the second half too before they scored though the counter attack.
“We knew it was going to be difficult playing against the host country with the huge crowd behind them. It is not the end of the story as there are two more games to go,” the Brazilian said in a post match interview.
Paqueta added that loss makes their quest of reaching the next stage a mountain too tall to climb.
“If you lose the opening match, it is always difficult going forward. This was a key game for qualification to the next round.
“We will play for the results in our remaining matches which will be tougher as the two teams are the favourites in the group.”
The Libyans will next play Zambia on January 25 before wrapping up against Senegal four days later all in Bata.
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