AFCON: Nigeria coach Chelle pained to lose Morocco semis on penalties

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle admitted he was gutted to exit the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the expense of hosts Morocco on penalties during their quarter-final match played on Thursday.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero as the Atlas Lions booked their place in the final for the first time in 21 years, edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 semifinal in Rabat on Wednesday. Bounou produced decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi and propel the Atlas Lions one step closer to continental glory.

‘Losing on penalties is very painful’

“The match was never easy, but the players showed a strong mental response and fought for every ball. Losing on penalties is very painful,” Chelle told reporters as quoted by CAF Media.

“It’s difficult because we worked hard throughout the entire tournament, but that’s football. We must continue working. We played this match with high pressing, because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated.

“From a technical point of view, we were not at the same level we showed in other matches. I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”

The victory came as a huge release of pressure for Morocco, who have carried the weight of expectation throughout the tournament as hosts. Morocco will now face Nigeria in the final on Sunday.