Horoya AC‘s journey in the CAF Cup came to a heartbreaking end in the Round of 16 after being eliminated by ASO Chlef through a penalty shootout (5-3). After a 1-0 win in the first leg, Horoya was held to another 1-0 defeat in the second leg, which allowed the match to be decided by penalties. Despite their best efforts, the Guinean side couldn’t convert in the shootout.
Lappé Bangoura, the coach of Horoya, acknowledged the strength of ASO Chlef, praising their aggressiveness and determination. He reflected on his team’s performance, highlighting their inability to be clinical in front of goal: “We produced some football, we tried. But we weren’t very present up front, we weren’t realistic.” He also mentioned that his side was hindered by a contentious goal that he believes came from a foul on their goalkeeper, a situation he felt was worsened by poor refereeing.
The loss of Horoya marks an unfortunate exit for the Guinean club, who had high hopes after their first-leg victory. The match will likely leave them disappointed, particularly with the penalty defeat, but it also underscores the challenges of competing in African football, especially with inconsistent refereeing.
Do you think Horoya AC could have done something differently to avoid the penalty shootout, or was it just the tough nature of African club football at this stage?
