CHAN: Diallo admits Congo put Senegal under pressure in draw

Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo has admitted his side were put under a lot of pressure by Congo in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 1-1 draw at New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

Dechan Moussavou’s early strike gave Congo a surprise lead, but Joseph Layousse salvaged a point for the Lions of Teranga with a second-half equaliser at the Amaan Stadium.

“It took us 25 to 30 minutes to set up. Congo put us under pressure, with a high pressing and a very well thought out strategy. They put us in difficulty,” Diallo conceded as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“Our bench made the difference,” Diallo noted. “They are not just substitutes, they are key elements of our squad. Especially in defence, they brought stability and new energy when needed.”

The result left Group D finely poised. In the day’s later game, Sudan stunned Nigeria, shaking up the standings. The result left Senegal on four points from two matches. Congo, with two points from two draws, remained within touching distance, while Nigeria stayed bottom with just one point and mounting pressure.