Gourcuff Laments Pitch Conditions After Algeria’s Last-Gasp Defeat to Ghana
Algeria were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Ghana in their second Group C match at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, with Asamoah Gyan striking in stoppage time to hand the Black Stars a vital lifeline in Mongomo.
The late goal stunned the Fennecs, who had looked in control for much of the match but struggled to find a breakthrough. Algeria now face a tense final group game with qualification still on the line.
Speaking after the defeat, Algeria head coach Christian Gourcuff voiced his frustration, particularly with the state of the playing surface.
“The state of the pitch doesn’t suit us,” Gourcuff told Africa Top Sports correspondent Steven Lavon. “We can’t speed up the game. We were punished.”
Despite the loss, Algeria remain well placed in the group thanks to their opening 3-1 victory over South Africa. However, Gourcuff emphasised that there will be no room for complacency in their final group match.
“On Tuesday, we won’t be doing any calculations,” he said. “Ghana played well. They were under pressure and responded. Now it’s up to us to do the same.”
With all four teams in Group C still in contention, Algeria must now regroup quickly as they prepare for a decisive encounter to determine their place in the quarter-finals.
