Coach Kaba Diawara shared insights into his team’s performance and offered a glimpse into the challenges faced during the tournament. The comments were collected by Dounia Mesli, a special correspondent for Africa Top Sports.
Assessing his team’s overall performance, Kaba Diawara acknowledged progress compared to two years ago.
Despite the defeat, he emphasized the importance of learning and development in football. “We had a slightly better run than two years ago, we proved that we are progressing.
Football is like this, you have to learn. Over the whole competition, it must still be said that with a rejuvenated group, we have progressed. That’s what’s important,” stated Diawara.
When questioned about the errors leading to the goals in the match, Diawara noted that certain aspects were unusual throughout the game.
While not making excuses for the defeat, he highlighted the impact of illnesses within his squad due to a virus, suggesting it affected the effectiveness of some players.
Despite the challenges faced, Kaba Diawara defended the team’s honor, stating, “Syli was not humiliated during this AFCON
.” Regarding the inclusion of Naby Keita, who returned from injury, Diawara took responsibility for his choices, emphasizing Keita’s role as the captain and star of the team.
“Naby was getting better and better in training. We must not forget that he is our captain, he is our star. As soon as I saw that we were better in training, I told myself that he could play in a backward position,” explained Diawara.
He addressed the criticism that followed, stating, “We make choices, sometimes it works, sometimes it works less.
There the result does not match. I know that there are smart people who will start talking even though we haven’t heard them throughout the AFCON. That’s also the game.”
In conclusion, Kaba Diawara expressed confidence in his captain, Naby Keita, and acknowledged the nature of football discussions that intensify after defeats.
Despite challenges, he remains steadfast in his trust in the team and the choices made during the tournament.
