Senegal coach Amara Traore believes his team were unlucky to lose to co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.
The 2-1 defeat meant that the Teranga Lions, one of the pre-tournament favourites, became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament, as they had done in 2008.
Substitute Moussa Sow s strike was sandwiched in between goals from Iban Iyanga and David Alvarez as the hosts cruised past the west Africans.
We prepared very well for this game and we had many opportunities. We were just unlucky tonight. I am very happy for my players, they gave everything, Traore said.
Senegal will play their final game against Libya, which for the side is nothing but a formality. The Libyans, however, still have a leg in the competition.
I am very disappointed with our current state because we deserve to win something at this tournament. It is frustrating for some of the players who are playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. We hope to win our last match and bow out with our heads high, Traore added.
Senegal captain Mamadou Niang added that bad luck was their undoing in a game in which they dominated possession.
We had the better chances but were unlucky. I feel sad for the team. We are a young team, where about 70 per cent are making their debut, Niang said.
We all failed together and won t single out any player for blame. It is from such disappointments that you can make up your mistakes.
