Claude Le Roy has explained how Nigeria’s semifinal clash with Morocco played a part in Senegal going on to win the Africa Cup of Nations title, following the conclusion of the tournament in Morocco earlier this month, Footynaija.com reports.
The French coach, who guided Cameroon to the AFCON crown in 1988, was speaking while reflecting on the latter stages of the competition, where Senegal defeated Morocco in the final after Nigeria had been eliminated in the semifinals on penalties.
Morocco reached the final after a goalless draw with Nigeria that stretched to extra time before being decided by a penalty shootout, with the Atlas Lions eventually prevailing 4-2. That encounter, played in Rabat, lasted well beyond the regular 120 minutes and demanded a lot of physical and mental effort from both sides.
Related Post
Le Roy, who has coached six African national teams, suggested that the exertions of that semifinal had an effect on the final outcome.
What Claude Le Roy Said
Speaking after the tournament, he named Morocco as the most complete side across the competition, while pointing to Senegal’s performance in the final as decisive.
“The best team of this AFCON overall was Morocco, and the best team of the final was Senegal,” Le Roy said via a report by Daily Post. “This win in the end shows that a better job was done.”
He went on to reference Nigeria’s role in stretching Morocco to their limits in the previous round.
“Maybe Morocco tried really hard in the semifinal match against a strong Nigeria team, especially during the penalty shootout, which took about two hours,” he added. “That affected them a bit, but in the end, Senegal played better in the final.”
Nigeria’s run to the semifinals included victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage, before the knockout rounds to set up the last four meeting with the hosts.
The Super Eagles were unable to convert two of their chances against Morocco, with the contest ultimately decided from the spot.
Senegal, managed by Pape Thiaw, capitalised on Morocco’s fatigue in the final, producing a composed display that secured the title and added another continental trophy to their recent record.
The Teranga Lions had earlier edged past their own semifinal opponents without the need for penalties, coming into the final with fewer minutes in their legs.
